February 3, 2016, 8:57p.m. – THE UST Golden Tigresses ran out of steam against the Adamson University Lady Falcons in a thrilling five setter, 22-25, 21-25, 25-20, 30-28, 14-16, in their opening game in the UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball tournament at the Philsports Arena Wednesday.
Despite an impressive display of 61 attack points, 13 blocks and 11 service aces, the Golden Tigresses had a woeful 35 unforced errors compared Adamson’s 27.
The Golden Tigresses could have claimed the victory after setting a deadlock in the final frame, 14-all, but Adamson’s Maylene Paat and Jessica Galanza sealed the win instead for the Lady Falcons.
Galanza led the Falcons with 28 markers while Paat and May Roque scored 19 and 13 points, respectively.
Adamson had the chance to close the match in the fourth set, 24-23. But the Tigresses took it with a 7-5 run.
UST sizzled for a 7-0 run right after the Lady Falcons held a slim 20-17 lead late in the third canto to arrive at set point, 24-20. Adamson first reached set point in the opening canto, 19-24, before UST uncorked a 3-0 run to close the gap, 22-24.
An outside shot from veteran Carmela Tunay cost the Tigresses the match.
Beach volleyball standout Cherry Anne Rondina led UST with 30 points while skipper Ennajie Laure and Ria Meneses contributed 15 and 13, respectively.
“‘First two sets, ‘yung errors namin napaka rami, ‘yung galaw namin napakalamya. ‘Di natin puwede sabihin na first game jitters. I don’t buy that. Ilang first game na ang nangyari sa buong buhay nila,” head coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes told the Varsitarian.
The Golden Tigresses will face two-time defending champions Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles on February 7, Sunday, 4 p.m., at the San Juan Arena. Carlo A. Casingcasing
