BRACING for their final elimination round assignment against undefeated Far Eastern University, the University of Santo Tomas Lady Spikers whipped the Ateneo De Manila University Lady Spikers, 25-7, 25-14, 25-17, last Sept. 15 at the University of the Philippines gymnasium.
After 13 games, FEU’s win-loss record remains unblemished but UST has a clear chance of averting a Lady Tamaraw sweep on Sunday, September 22.
Playing the aggressor’s role, UST exploited on Ateneo’s weak defense early in the first set. With veteran spiker Joyce Pano leading UST’s onslaught, the Tigresses raced to a 7-1 lead. UST’s lead ballooned to 14, 20-6, after an ace by Karen Co Yu Kang.
Fine defensive gems by rookie Bridget Inoferio assured the Tigresses of the one-set lead.
Perhaps angered by the thrashing they received in the first set, the Lady Eagle Spikers became furious in the second, taking a 6-2 lead, before UST’s Kate Co Yu Kang stopped Ateneo’s run.
With little offensive options on their side, Ateneo allowed UST to take the 11-10 lead, on a soft tip by Kate Co Yu Kang.
A 9-2 run led by UST’s Jocelyn Capati gave the Tigresses an eight-point lead, 20-12. Sophomore Anna Fulo then took charge to push UST up by two sets.
In the third and final set, UST broke loose once more and took a 12-4 lead after a block by Fulo.
Back-to-back kills by Lady Eagles Wynnette Bernardo and Mary Grace Budan doused cold water on UST’s fiery run.
But the Tigresses blew hot once more and unleashed a 6-0 run, capped by a kill by rookie Ma. Karen Valencia to take a 21-9 lead.
Ateneo, however, refused to give up. With Irish Ortega leading the attack, the Lady Eagles cut the lead to eight, 23-15.
Fulo answered Ateneo’s challenge by scoring on a thunderous spike to put UST within one point of a sweep repeat over the Lady Eagles.
Ortega scored on a kill once more but Tigress Melissa Cruz’s smash closed the lid on Ateneo.
According to UST head coach Augusto Santamaria, their elimination round assignments served as a preparation for their inevitable meeting against FEU.
“When we lost to FEU in the first round, we lost dahil kulang tayo sa coverage at blocking. Hindi naman nila kami kayang talunin pag dating sa opensa. Kailangan lang ma-improve iyong depensa namin,” Santamaria said.
If FEU wins over UST, the Lady Tamaraws would repeat as champions via a sweep. UST’s chance of winning the crown this year depends on whether they have what it takes to beat FEU on Sunday.
“Tayo na lang ang pag-asa ng bayan. Pag hindi namin tinalo ang FEU, wala na,” said Santamaria.
