17 March 2019
By Ardyn Gonzales
The University of Sto. Tomas Lady Tigresses ended the first round of eliminations in a dominating fashion via a three-set win over the University of the East Lady Warriors, 25-18, 25-14, 25-20, in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament, Sunday at the FilOil Flying-V Arena in San Juan.
UST had UE on the ropes all throughout the match with the tandem of Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure leading the pack with their strong offense. They unleashed 45 attacks in just three sets, proving why they are the current number one attacking team in the league.
The Lady Tigresses’ momentum momentarily faltered in the third set aftercommitting unforced errors that trimmed down their 22-16 lead to four points. But the UST will not be denied as Rondina closed out the set with her trademark explosive crosscourt attack.
Eya Laure and Sisi Rondina tallied their usual numbers with 15 and 17 points, respectively. But the supporting cast Caitlin Viray, Kecelyn Galdones, and Dimdim Pacres also delivered for UST with 8 points each.
On the side of UE, it was only Judith Abil who stood out with 15 points as she scored half of the total attack points produced by the Lady Tigresses.
The win gave UST a 5-2 win-loss record tied with La Salle for second to third spot in the standings.
Follow the writer on Twitter: @sardynas
