THE UST Golden Tigresses finally notched their first win of the season with a 25-18, 25-8, 25-23 victory over the University of the East Lady Warriors in the UAAP Season 78 women’s volleyball tournament at the San Juan Arena today.
A miscue from UE captain Judith Abil gave the win to UST despite a furious 8-2 run by the Lady Warriors that trimmed a seven-point UST lead, 23-24.
The Tigresses did much damage in the second set, opening the game with a 7-3 lead off team captain EJ Laure’s service ace before dropping a 12-0 bomb midway the set to build a 22-6 cushion.
UST led 15-12 in the first set and then erected an 8-1 rally to build a 23-13 advantage. UE threatened a comeback but a misfire from Lady Warrior Laizah Bendong closed the frame, 25-18.
After losing their first three games, the Tigresses now have a 1-3 win-loss record.
Laure led all scorers with 16 points, 13 coming from attacks. Cherry Ann Rondina added 12 markers.
Shaya Adorador paced UE with 10 points.
“Siguro mas nag-relax sila at mas in-enjoy nila ‘yung laro ngayon. Na-remedyuhan namin ‘yung errors kahit papaano,” said Tigresses head coach Emilio Reyes Jr.
The Tigresses made good use of UE’s poor reception as they scored 11 points off service aces.
Up next for the Tigresses are the National University Lady Bulldogs on Saturday, 4 p.m., at the Mall of Asia Arena.
