THE UST Golden Tigresses faltered against the Ateneo Lady Eagles, 20-25, 21-25, 22-25, in the opener of the UAAP Season 79 women’s volleyball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum Saturday.
UST squandered a complete set by committing 25 unforced errors as the Lady Eagles tallied 11 service aces and seven block points compared to the Tigresses’ seven aces and three blocks.
Jhoana Maraguinot led Ateneo with 15 points while Michelle Morente and Katrina Tolentino combined for 17 markers.
“Pati rin kami na-shock sa nilaro namin. Sabi nga ni coach kanina, hindi kami ‘yung naglalaro at nagkulang din kami sa mental side,” captain Cherry Ann Rondina told the Varsitarian.
Down by five in the third, UST tried to steal the set by igniting a 5-2 run but a costly service error from Alexine Cabanos gave Ateneo the win.
The Tigresses fought tooth-and-nail in the opening set before Ateneo scored an 8-2 blitz, capped by a quick hit from De Leon, to build a 22-16 cushion.
EJ Laure had 17 points for the Tigresses while team captain Cherry Rondina added 10 markets.
UST will face defending champions De La Salle University on Feb. 11, Saturday, 4 p.m., at the San Juan Arena.
