MOST VALUABLE Player Sisi Rondina exploded with 23 points as the UST Golden Tigresses dominated the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles, 25-17, 25-16, 25-20, to take Game 1 of the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday.
The Tigresses broke their 14-game losing streak against the Lady Eagles that stretched back from 2012 and are now a win away from their first championship since Season 72.
UST had a slim 21-20 lead in the third frame before igniting a four-point swing, sealed by Lady Eagle Erika Raagas’ attack error for the win.
“Pinag-aralan namin kung saan kami puwedeng lumusot sa Ateneo, considering na sila ang number one blocking team. Pero malaking bagay na nasa amin ang dalawang best scorers (Rondina and Laure) at na-counter namin ang depensa nila,” Tigresses head coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes Jr. said.
Up 18-14 in the second salvo, UST used a 7-2 blast, capped by an Ysa Jimenez service ace for a commanding 2-0 set advantage.
The Tigresses unleashed a 9-3 burst early in the opening canto as Rondina’s crosscourt kill allowed UST to take the first set, 25-17.
UST pounded 10 service aces, while Ateneo only had one.
Prized rookie Eya Laure poured in 11 points, while Caitlyn Viray added seven markers for the Tigresses.
Kat Tolentino was the lone Lady Eagle in double figures after chalking up 12 markers.
UST will try to clinch the series on May 15, Wednesday, 4 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena.
