24 February 2019
By Ardyn Gonzales
The University of Sto. Tomas Lady Tigresses dismantled the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons in four sets, 21-25, 25-20, 25-16, 25-20, for their second win in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at the FilOil Flying-V Arena in San Juan.
Down a set, UST promptly adjusted in the succeeding frames, banking on their explosive offense led by their wingers Sisi Rondina, Milena Alessandrini, and super rookie Eya Laure.
After outlasting the Lady Maroons in the second set, the Lady Tigresses built a huge 17-8 lead as UP had difficulties with their attacks. UST never looked back and pulled away for a 2-1 advantage.
UP attempted to regroup in the fourth set with an 8-6 edge in the first technical time-out. But the Lady Tigresses answered back with a 6-0 run. The lead and momentum stayed in favor of UST, with a kill block on Tots Carlos by Alessandrini ending the match.
Milena Alessandrini dropped 22 points on 19 attacks and 3 blocks to compensate for her subpar performance in the first two games this season. Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure also put up an impressive performance with 17 and 18 points, respectively.
Tots Carlos led UP with 20 points while Isa Molde contributed 13 markers.
UP struggled with their offense as the Lady Maroons’ main setter Ayel Estranero missed the match due to food poisoning.
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