UST MIDDLE blocker Imee Hernandez erupted for a career-high 24 points as the Golden Tigresses overcame the Ateneo Blue Eagles in four sets, 25-22, 25-20, 27-29, 25-21, in the second round of the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament at the Philsports Arena on Saturday.
A Hernandez block kill capped the game-sealing 7-1 run the Tigresses used to send the Blue Eagles, perennial Final Four candidates, to the brink of elimination. A win by the NU Bulldogs tomorrow will officially eliminate Ateneo from semi-final contention.
Eya Laure showed off her offensive prowess, scoring 27 points in the UST win.
UST started the game with an 8-3 run and remained consistent to win the first set, 25-22.
With the second set tied at 18-all, the Tigresses unleashed a 7-2 run to go up two sets to none, 25-20.
Ateneo star Faith Nisperos led Ateneo’s charge in the closely fought third period, scoring the last two points that won the Blue Eagles their first set, 29-27.
Nisperos had a career-high 31 points, while Vanie Gandler had 11 points for the Blue Eagles.
Milena Alessandrini and Regina Jurado scored 10 points apiece for UST.
The Tigresses improved to an 8-3 record, while the Blue Eagles dropped to a 4-7 win-loss slate.
UST will next face the FEU Lady Tamaraws on Sunday, April 23, at 11 a.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena.
