6 April 2019
By Ardyn Gonzales
The University of Sto. Tomas Lady Tigresses made quick work of the University of the East Lady Warriors in a straight-set victory, 25-20, 25-20, 25-16, for their seventh win in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament, Saturday, at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
UST overcame a slow start as after being down 14-15 in the first set, the Lady Tigresses made a late rally to overturn the deficit into a four-point advantage, 19-15, banking on the unforced errors committed by UE, including the attack error from Judith Abil that gave the frame in favor of UST.
The Lady Tigresses continued to roll in the second set by establishing a 16-9 lead heading into the second technical timeout, but the Lady Warriors stayed within reach and cut down the lead to a single point, 19-20. However, UST quickly responded with a 5-1 close out for a 2-0 advantage in the match.
The Lady Tigresses then dominated UE in the third set to seal their bounce-back win and to stay within the Final Four race.
After being checked by the defending champions in their previous loss, Eya Laure bounced back and led UST with 14 points on 12 attacks, a block, and a service ace. Ysa Jimenez who played off-the-bench contributed with 10 markers.
Meanwhile, Judith Abil was the only player in UE who stood out in scoring with 11 points, as they missed the Final Four once again this season.
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