Tigresses, Lady Tams boost Final 4 campaigns

MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas overcame a tough challenge from University of the Philippines in the third set and scored a 25-21, 25-12, 26-24 victory to strengthen its semis bid in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball yesterday.

The Tigresses cruised in the second set but sailed through rough waters in the third, bucking two Lady Maroons set points to claim their eighth win against four losses.

UST continued to share the third spot with FEU, which earlier tamed an ousted but feisty National U also in straight sets, 25-21, 25-19, 25-22.

The Lady Maroons slipped to 6-6 and stayed at fifth.

“I’m happy with the win because it was a total team effort,” said UST coach Kungfu Reyes.

The Lady Tamaraws held off a chase by the Lady Bulldogs in the second and third sets to complete the sweep – their first in 12 matches this season – to hike their card to 8-4.

“I told the players that NU is no pushover. We need to challenge ourselves because we need this win for our ranking and to boost our morale,” said FEU coach George Pascua.

Heather Guino-o smacked a down-the-line hit to halt the rallying Lady Bulldogs then Princess Robles sent her crosscourt attempt wide and got blocked by Kyle Negrito thereafter as the Lady Tamaraws wrapped up the 53-minute match.

Guino-o led FEU with 11 points while Jerilli Malabanan scored 10, her back-to-back hits at the homestretch of the second dousing NU’s fightback in the frame.

Negrito issued 21 excellent sets and had seven digs while also contributing five points that included three blocks.