FEU downs UST to end 2-game slump

MANILA, Philippines – The FEU Lady Tamaraws snapped their two-game losing streak after outlasting the UST Golden Tigresses in four sets, 19-25, 25-20, 25-19, 27-25 at the SMART Araneta Center Coliseum, Saturday.

Celine Domingo led the way for the Tamaraws with 17 points, including six blocks that shut the door on Eya Laure and the UST offense.

UST started the match strong but struggled in the game after Milena Alessandrini went down with an injury late in the second set.

The Espana-based volleybelle was stretchered off the court and was brought to the hospital midgame for assessment.

The matchup proved to be a close one in the opening set, with neither team able to  pull away.

Both squads were still at an 18-all deadlock late in the first. 

But Sisi Rondina, Laure and Alessandrini connived to put their foot on the gas pedal for UST's offense.

The Golden Tigresses went on a 7-1 run to take the first set, 25-19.

It was still the same story come the second, with FEU and UST trading runs.

But things would go south for the Tigresses after Alessandrini's injury where they still held a one point advantage, 18-17.

With the Tigresses seemingly shaken up after Alessandrini's exit, FEU quickly pounced and amped up their offense.

FEU took the second to even things out 25-20.

The Tigresses couldn't seem to recover even in the third set with FEU leading the way almost the whole game.

The Lady Tamaraws held an eight point lead, 23-15.

Despite efforts from UST to get back into the set, the deficit proved too much as the Lady Tamaraws took the 2-1 lead, 25-19.

FEU once again pulled out in front in the fourth set, while the Tigresses barely did enough to play catch up.

The Lady Tamaraws looked to take the victory with three match points, 24-21.

But with grit and determination, Laure and Rondina willed the Tigresses back into the game.

Going on an unanswered 3-0 run, UST was suddenly tied with FEU at 24-all. It looked like a deciding fifth set was already due.

But costly errors from the side of the Tigresses and a kill block from Nett Villareal doomed the Tigresses. 

A Laure error put the nail in the coffin as FEU took the match, 27-25.

Both squads now hold a 2-2 record. The Lady Tamaraws hope to make it two in a row when they go against the UE Lady Warriors on Wednesday.