Tigresses get back at Falcons

Games today (Filoil Arena)

2 p.m. – DLSU vs UP

4 p.m. – NU vs AdMU

MANILA, Philippines - University of Santo Tomas got back at first-round tormentor Adamson, 25-19, 16-25, 23-25, 25-15, to keep its shot at the playoffs alive in the UAAP Season 77 women’s volleyball tourney yesterday at the Filoil Arena.

Determined to climb their way up, the Tigresses put up an inspired performance and dominated the listless Lady Falcons with pinpoint attacks and effective blocking as they picked up their second straight win for 3-5 overall.

The Tigresses, who caught up with their victims at sixth spot, stood one win behind the teams occupying third to fifth places.

“Coming to the game maganda ang mood ng mga players, to think na paiba-iba kami ng venues for a week (the players were in a good mood despite the fact we had to transfer from one venue to another last week) because of the Papal visit at UST,” said UST coach Odjie Mamon.

Rookie EJ Laure punched in 19 points, including 14 attacks, to lead UST’s scoring and got needed support from veterans Pam Lastimosa and Carmela Tunay and Marivic Meneses. Lastimosa chipped in 16 markers spiked by 14 hits while Tunay had five blocks in her 12-point effort plus 10 excellent digs. Meneses added 14 with five coming off blocks.

“Our seniors have realized kung paano role ipu-fulfill nila, Kung hindi sila maka-score, may ibang paraan para ma-excel mga skills nila, (“they know the roles needed of them. If they can’t score, they know how to utilize their skills in some other areas),” said Mamon, whose wards got 17 points from blocks and had 50 hits.

UST’s victory allowed Far Eastern U to grab fifth place following a 25-16, 25-17, 22-25, 25-18 victory over winless University of the East.

The Lady Tams, who snapped a two-game slide, improved to 4-5 while dealing the Lady Warriors their ninth consecutive loss.

 “Kailangan namin ng panalo dahil target namin Top 4. Mahirap pero kailangan paghirapan namin (We need every win we can get to reach the Top 4. It’s tough but we’ll work hard for it),” said FEU coach Shaq de los Santos.

Bernadette Pons and Mary Remy Palma led the way in scoring with 14 and 11, respectively, while libero Christine Agno made 13 excellent digs as the Lady Tams secured the crucial win.

The Lady Tams, though, were the first team to concede a set to UE this season, when they allowed the Lady Warriors to snatch the fourth.

Ma. Shaya Adorador (14) and Angelica Dacaymat (13) paced UE.

Meanwhile, unbeaten defending champion Ateneo (7-0) starts its second round campaign today against National U (4-3) at 4 p.m.

This will be the first time the Lady Eagles face off with their former coach Roger Gorayeb, who has assumed the reins for the Lady Bulldogs.

La Salle guns for its eighth win in nine outings in the first game at 2 p.m. against University of the Philippines (4-4).