DESPITE suffering a free fall in the first round, the UST Golden Tigresses are still very much in contention for a Final Four slot the UAAP Season 77 women’s volleyball tournament.
With an improved floor defense and execution, UST is still within striking distance to steal one of the last two seats in the playoffs.
Last year’s finalists Ateneo and La Salle are poised to secure the top two spots, respectively.
According to assistant coach Vilet Ponce-de Leon, the Tigresses, who are at seventh place with a 2-5 win-loss card, still have a chance to end a two-year Final Four drought despite a lackluster start.
“We still want to have a running chance doon sa Final Four. And winning our remaining games is our only chance to do that,” de Leon told the Varsitarian. “Buhay pa kami, we are still running for that same goal, na mag-end up kami sa Final Four.”
The Golden Tigresses hope to carry their momentum following a stellar outing against the FEU Lady Tamaraws where veterans Pamela Lastimosa and Carmela Tunay exploded with 17 and 15 points, respectively.
“Yung last game kasi parang nakikita mo na mas nabuhay yung teamwork. Nai-apply nila yung mga pinag-aaralan namin dito like how to support ‘yung spiker dun sa coverage namin tapos ‘yung mga attacks namin, mas bumaba ‘yung margin of error,” De Leon said.
Despite ranking second in the blocking department, the Tigresses settled at sixth place in serving and spiking after the first seven games. Rookie EJ Laure was the lone double-digit scorer for UST, averaging 11.0 points per game.
Team captain Lastimosa is keeping her hopes alive citing the big improvement in the team’s morale and on-court communication.
“Simula noong new year, it’s more of the attitude talaga towards the game, not of the skills or kung anong gagawin sa court kasi nandoon na kami and ‘yung mindset namin and how we enjoy every point and how we communicate with our teammates,” Lastimosa said.
Lastimosa vowed to become the “motivator” to the team for the rest of the elimination round.
The Golden Tigresses will kick-off their second round campaign later today, Jan. 24, against the Adamson Lady Falcons at The Arena in San Juan. Sports Team
