The UST Golden Tigresses’ hopes for a twice-to-beat advantage diminished after the National University Lady Bulldogs avenged their first-round loss in four sets, 16-25, 21-25, 25-17, 14-25, in the second round of the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament.
This loss put the Tigresses in the third seed with a 9-4 win-loss record, while the Lady Bulldogs tightened their hold of the second spot built on a 10-3 slate.
In the first set, Season 84 Most Valuable Player Bella Belen converted a service ace and a crosscourt kill to inch NU to a set-point advantage, 23-14, to which the Tigresses responded with back-to-back block kills. However, Jonna Perdido committed a service error to hand NU the first set, 25-16.
The Lady Bulldogs overcame a slow start in the second frame. After trailing by five early, the Lady Bulldogs blasted off to gain a two-sets-to–none advantage, 25-21.
The Tigresses came alive in the third frame after a 20-10 run to force a fourth set, 25-17.
The Tigresses failed to maintain their momentum and surrendered a 17-9 lead to NU early. Belen gave no chance for UST to force a decider and finished the set with an off-the-block kill, 25-14.
Laure led UST with 17 points, while Hernandez scored 14 points.
NU’s Alyssa Solomon scattered 17 points, while Belen added 16.
The Tigresses’ defeat could result in them dropping to the fourth seed at the lowest, depending on the results of the next games.
The Tigresses will cap off their elimination-round run against the UP Lady Maroons on Sunday, April 30, 3.p.m., at the same venue
