By Ardyn Gonzales
The University of Sto. Tomas Lady Tigresses handed the National University Lady Bulldogs their first loss since 2019 in a classic five-setter match, 25-23, 27-25, 17-25, 22-25, 15-11, in the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament, Saturday, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Graduating team captain Eya Laure steered the victory with 18 points on 14 attacks and four blocks, including the last two points in the fifth which sealed the hard-earned win for the Lady Tigresses.
With a series of clutch moments, UST saw themselves with a 2-0 advantage in the match. The Lady Tigresses won the second frame after breaking consecutive deadlocks through the efforts of Laure and rookie Regina Jurado. Tied 25-all, Jurado broke the blockers with a strong down-the-line attack from the right wing before Cess Robles committed a net touch.
NU banked on their championship experience and took the next two sets to force a decider.
The momentum seemed to have stayed with the defending champions in the fifth set after a 5-2 start. UST called an early time-out which produced three consecutive points to tie the game at 5-all. The Lady Tigresses then dragged the Lady Bulldogs in a seesaw battle until they established a crucial 10-6 lead in the match.
NU attempted to mount a comeback but the lead was too much as Eya Laure came up with the match-clinching attack followed by a block on Alyssa Solomon.
Laure had substantial help from rookie Regina Jurado who also had 18 points on 14 attacks, two blocks, two service aces, and 10 excellent digs.
Meanwhile, the tandem of Alyssa Solomon and Bella Belen led NU with 22 and 17 points, respectively, as the erstwhile undefeated squad fell down to 2-1 in the standings.
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