By Jean Malanum
MANILA – University of Santo Tomas did not disappoint the crowd, pulling off a 25-17, 25-17, 18-25, 25-17 victory over Far Eastern University (FEU) Sunday night in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Golden Tigresses improved to a 6-4 record, boosting their semis campaign as they joined the Lady Tamaraws and the Adamson University in third place.
“The complications of the standings, this win is a big deal for us. This is our band-aid solution to the standings right now. We always tell the players to just move forward because there’s nothing we can do about past results,” said UST assistant coach Yani Fernandez.
UST also beat FEU in the first round, 25-17, 25-18, 25-20.
“We are so happy because we got the win. We were motivated coming into this game. It wasn’t easy but we worked together to win the game,” said Angeline Poyos, who tallied 18 points, seven digs and five receptions.
Regina Jurado added 16 points and six digs, while Jonna Perdido and Avril Bron scored 10 points each. Detdet Pepito had 21 digs and six receptions.
The Golden Tigresses will aim for a second straight win on Easter Sunday against the University of the East Lady Warriors, still at their home arena.
Faida Bakanke scored 13 points, followed by Lovely Lopez and Alyzza Devosora with 11 and seven points, respectively for FEU, which will face unbeaten De La Salle University (10-0) on April 8 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Meanwhile, La Salle has secured the first semis berth after beating the University of the Philippines, 25-15, 25-18, 25-20, in the other game.
Skipper Shevana Laput finished with 16 points on 14 attacks and two blocks, while Angel Canino had 15 points for the Green Spikers, who also beat the Fighting Maroons, 25-12, 25-15, 25-19, in the first round.
“For me, as long as someone comes, we’ll just prepare for every game. Whatever our standing is, that’s secondary, that’s just the result. I just tell the kids, let’s just prepare, give respect to every opponent, although we’ve already gone through the first round,” said La Salle head coach Ramil de Jesus after the one hour and 24-minute match.
Amie Provido chipped in 10 points on four attacks, four blocks and two aces, while Shane Reterta and Lilay Del Castillo contributed nine and eight points, respectively.
La Salle will seek to extend its winning run to 11 on April 8 against Far Eastern University at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Jelai Gajero and Niña Ytang scored nine points each for the Fighting Maroons, who fell to 4-6.
UP will look to bounce back on April 8 against Ateneo de Manila University, also at the Pasay venue. (PNA)
