MAKE no mistake about it. They are out to defend their crown.
The UST Lady Spikers proved why they are the inaugural season’s champs as they they swept their first two outings in the Shakey’s V-League second conference, which kicked off last Nov. 28.
Team Captain Roxanne Pimentel delivered a sterling performance in their 25-17, 25-16, 25-20, rout of the Letran College Lady Knights last Dec. 5.
In the first set, UST caught Letran’s backline defense on an off-day as Venus Bernal and Mary Jean Balse pounded the opponent’s court their hard smashes.
The Lady Knights struggled throughout the game as UST’s towering duo of Balse and Pimentel denied their offensive attempts.
UST had a scare in the third set as the Nel Pamiliar-led squad leaned on Bangladesh Pantaleon’s dynamic play to force an extension. But it was not enough to counter Pimentel, who dished 20 markers to claim the straight-set match.
The Lady Knights dropped to third place after sustaining their first loss in three games.
UST vs. DLSU
With skipper Pimentel at the helm, the UST volleybelles had an easier time defeating their UAAP nemesis, the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Archers in a 25-21, 29-31, 25-21, 25-19 match last Nov. 28 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Compared with their UAAP finals battle, their opening day tussle in the Shakey’s tourney showed that UST is no pushover.
The archrivals split the tightly contested first two sets.
Led by Balse, the Lady Spikers surged early in the third juncture, 14-6. However, coach Ramil de Jesus’ wards led by sisters Mayet and Michelle Carolino were able to close the gap to three, 21-24. Pimentel’s smash ended the DLSU rally.
The veteran center spiker sealed the victory for UST in the last set, with 20 attack points, four of which she scored in the endgame.
Head coach Augusto Santamaria is satisfied with the way the Lady Spikers performed in their first assignment but knows they can do more. Aside from attributing the win to his players’ hard work, the humble coach believes that they simply caught the UAAP champs on a bad day.
“Masama lang talaga ang paglaro nila,” he said.
Nevertheless, Santamaria will be making adjustments in their training program to reduce UST’s service errors and outside shots which he points to his players’ unfamiliarity with a spacious playing court like the Philsports Arena.
Lineup changes
In the second conference of the V-League, seven squads are vying for the top prize. UAAP schools DLSU and Far Eastern University and NCAA squads Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Lyceum College, and San Sebastian College-Recoletos will again slug it at the net for collegiate volleyball supremacy.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the new team, is composed of former national team athletes. The Tatz Suzara-mentored Lady Legends lead all teams with a 3-0 win-loss card.
A new rule was also established. Teams were allowed to pick two guest players from the national team to include in their rotation.
Santamaria chose former Lady Spikers Pimentel and Rubie De Leon. Both spikers have contributed significantly during their UAAP years.
However, he is disappointed that former Lady Spiker Joyce Pano, who was a big factor in the Lady Spikers’ campaign last year, could not be included in the roster.
“Originally, they allowed us to pick three guest players, pero naging dalawa na lang,” Santamaria explained. “Kaya inisip ko kung ano (position) ang kulang at kailangan ng team.”
Balse is the lone center spiker in the team after Bridget Inoferio left unofficially for modeling engagements. RP team skipper Pimentel complements Balse perfectly in the middle.
Santamaria found an all-around threat in De Leon who is not only a setter, but also an open hitter. She relieves Lourdes Palomo and Karen Co Yu Kang of main setting chores.
According to Santamaria, veterans Pimentel’s and De Leon’s insertion in the lineup will certainly bring the Lady Spikers back to their winning ways.
Another new addition to UST’s rotation is Yoori Jung. The Korean libero is seeing action for the first time after an operation.
