THE UST Golden Tigresses outlasted last season’s UAAP champions Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles with an intense 20-25, 25-20, 25-16, 19-25, 16-14 victory to claim a spot in the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference’s final rounds in San Juan Arena Sunday.
An off-the-block hit from EJ Laure and an Ateneo outside ball sealed the win for UST following a 14-all deadlock in the deciding frame.
Trailing 17-22 in the fourth salvo, Golden Tigress Imee Hernandez tried to mount a run with two quick attacks but service errors plagued the Tigresses as Ateneo rookie Faith Nisperos’ down the line hit forced an extension set.
Growling Tigress Imee Hernandez sparked a 9-0 run allowing UST to take the lead and capture a 2-1 set advantage.
The Tigresses tied the game at one set apiece with a tip in from EJ Laure in the second frame.
Lady Eagle Erika Raagas scored a tip-in to stop a looming UST run before an outside error on UST’s side gave the opening salvo to Ateneo.
Eya Laure spearheaded the Tigresses with 21 points while Janna Torres and Hernandez tallied 14 markers apiece.
Nisperos led Ateneo with 23 points while Raagas posted 11.
The UST Golden Tigresses entered the semi-finals with a 4-0 win-lose slate and booked the finals ticket after a 2-1 record against Ateneo.
