THE UST Golden Tigresses blasted an error-plagued National University Lady Bulldogs, 27-25, 25-17, 20-25, 25-16, to secure at least a playoff for the last twice-to-beat edge in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball tournament at the Arena in San Juan Saturday.
The Tigresses can force a playoff for the last Final Four incentive if the Far Eastern University defeats three-time defending champion De La Salle University on April 28, Sunday.
Up 19-13 in the fourth set, UST went on a 6-3 spurt, sealed by an Alina Bicar quick kill to cap their four-game winning streak at the end of the elimination round.
“Naging relaxed kami noong third set pero ‘yon ang pinipilit naming baguhin — ‘yong trend (na nagiging relaxed) kami sa ibang sets and importante pa rin na nakakuha kami ng panalo heading into the Final Four,” Tigresses head coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes Jr. said.
Holding a slim two-point lead in the third frame, 19-17, the Lady Bulldogs sparked a 6-3 run, topped by Bicar’s service error to avert a sweep.
Down 10-23 in the second canto, NU rode a late 7-1 torrent, capped by Ivy Lacsina’s service ace to cut the deficit to seven, 17-24, before team captain Sisi Rondina pounded a quick kill for a comfortable 2-0 set lead.
With the first set tied at 25-all, UST ignited a two-point swing, capped by Caitlyn Viray’s block kill to gain high ground early.
The Lady Bulldogs committed 37 errors compared to the Tigresses’ 26.
Rondina fired a game-high 21 points, while prized rookie Eya Laure added 13 markers for UST.
Lacsina spearheaded NU with 19 points, while Princess Robles had 14 markers.
The Tigresses remained at third place and improved to a 10-4 win-loss record. They also clinched their first 10-win season since Season 73.
