27 April 2019
By Ardyn Gonzales
The University of Sto. Tomas Lady Tigresses ended the elimination round with their best record in recent memory after taking down the National University Lady Bulldogs in four sets, 27-25, 25-17, 20-25, 25-16, in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament, Saturday at the FilOil Flying-V Arena in San Juan.
After escaping the extended opening set, the Lady Tigresses asserted their dominance with a sudden 18-8 cushion. NU attempted to catch up and build some momentum, but UST recovered right away to get a 2-0 advantage in the match, thanks to a soft touch by Sisi Rondina.
However, the Lady Bulldogs turned things around in the third frame. After heading into the second technical timeout with a 16-13 lead, NU pulled away to force another set with Cess Robles and Ivy Lacsina causing problems for UST.
But the Lady Tigresses quickly recuperated and regained their groove in the fourth set after establishing another huge-lead, 17-9. Lady Bulldogs tried to stall UST but the girls off Espana had other things in their mind as they eventually won in four sets for a 10-4 record.
Sisi Rondina had another MVP performance for UST with 21 attacks, 10 excellent digs, and 13 excellent receptions, while rookie Eya Laure contributed with 13 markers. The victory gave a chance for the Lady Tigresses to enter the Final Four with a twice-to-beat advantage against the defending champions.
Ivy Lacsina carried the scoring load for NU with 19 points, while graduating team captain Roselyn Doria played her last game in the UAAP with 9 markers.
Follow the writer on Twitter: @sardynas
