THE UST Golden Tigresses recorded their worst showing in the Shakey’s V-League after suffering a 15-25, 18-25, 22-25 defeat at the hands of Adamson University in their best-of-three, battle for third series at The Arena in San Juan last May 25.
UST won five straight matches in the elimination round before suffering a losing skid in the playoffs. Adamson and eventual first runner-up National University Lady Bulldogs then both swept the Tigresses in their respective encounters.
The Tigresses looked disoriented in the first two sets, allowing 10 service aces from the Lady Falcons. Chlodia Cortez was the lone bright spot as she chalked up 13 points for the listless spikers from España.
In the third set, UST tightened its defense as setter Loren Lantin blocked two straight shots. Cortez powered three straight hits that ignited a 6-2 UST blitz for a 14-11 lead.
The Tigresses were leading, 22-20, before Thai import Pacharee Sangmuang scored two of four consecutive points that gave Adamson the match point, 24-22.
Mylene Paat then rejected Cortez’s attack to put the icing on the cake for the Lady Falcons.
Adamson immediately got its groove in the second frame with an 8-1 romp, highlighted by three service aces, en route to a comfortable 18-9 cushion.
Sangmuang led the Lady Falcons with 14 markers while Pau Soriano, Amanda Villanueva and Shiela Marie Pineda combined for 33 points.
Despite the loss, UST coach Odjie Mamon remained optimistic about the team’s chances in the upcoming UAAP season.
“Marami tayong materyales, lalo na yung recruits. Definitely maganda yung chances sa UAAP,” he said.
In Game 1 last May 18, UST surrendered to Adamson in four sets, 17-25, 23-25, 25-18, 19-25, as guest player and main setter Rhea Dimaculangan missed the crucial game due to other commitments.
In the fourth frame, UST was leading, 16-14, before the Lady Falcons went on a 9-1 scoring barrage for a 23-17 upperhand. Best Attacker and former Adamson standout Pau Soriano iced the match, 25-19.
UST, which placed third last season, is the winningest squad in the league with six gold, four silver and one bronze, since the tournament started in 2004.
