MANILA, Philippines - University of Santo Tomas out-steadied La Salle Dasmariñas in the first two sets then re-asserted its might in the third to complete a 25-23, 25-23, 25-20 victory and wheel back into contention following an opening day setback in the Shakey’s V-League First Conference at The Arena in San Juan yesterday.
Pam Lastimosa and guest player Aiza Maizo unloaded 12 kills apiece while Maika Ortiz and Carmela Tunay combined for 23 hits as the Tigresses bounced back from a straight-set loss to the Ateneo Lady Eagles in a Group A match kicking off the league’s 10th season last week.
Lastimosa also came through with three blocks to earn the game’s best player award while Maizo hit three service aces as UST’s 1-2 punch combined for 30 points to lead the six-time champions to victory before a big Sunday crowd.
UST thus tied La Salle-Dasma at 1-1 behind Ateneo’s 2-0 card.
National University matched Ateneo’s hot start later in the day, repulsing Adamson, 16-25, 25-14, 25-22, 25-15, to seize control in Group B.
Aleona Santiago fired away 14 kills and finished with 20 points while Myla Pablo spewed 13 attacks for a 16-point effort as the Lady Bulls shook off a poor start by overpowering the Lady Falcons, 56-38, in spikes.
Angela Benting and Pau Soriano combined for 24 attacks but the San Marcelino-based squad, which swept University of San Carlos last week, just couldn’t match up with the Lady Bulldogs and dropped to 1-1
Meanwhile, the UST-La Dasma game will be aired at 1 p.m. today over GMA News TV Channel 11 with the NU-Adamson duel to be telecast on Tuesday, also at 1 p.m., according to the organizing Sports Vision.
While Lastimosa and Maizo topscored for the team, Ortiz proved to be the more accurate, converting 11 spikes in 21 attempts for a 52.38 percent clip. Lastimosa had the most attempts with 41, scoring 12 while Maizo also had 11 kills from 38 tries.