Tigresses end undefeated SSL streak with loss to Lady Spikers
By Deinell Vincent Esplana
The UST Golden Tigresses opened their second round campaign with a loss to the De La Salle Lady Spikers, 25–22, 25–27, 16–25, 21–25, in their Shakey’s Volleyball Super League match-up, held at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Sunday afternoon.
This is UST’s first loss in their campaign after sweeping their Pool B match-ups in the first round.
Angel Canino of the Lady Spikers proved too much for the defense of the Tigresses, scoring 25 markers to help La Salle grab the victory.
UST had no answer for the offensive onslaught of Canino in the third set which helped La Salle build a 12-point advantage over UST, 18–6.
The Golden Tigresses went off to a good start behind the trio effort of Regina Jurado, Xyza Gula, and Pierre Abellana who combined for 14 points, aiding UST to get the first set.
But La Salle’s height advantage proved effective in the following sets with their six-foot-three middle blocker Thea Gagate challenging the spikers of UST to follow up on the latter’s first set performance.
UST tried to force a fifth set by tying the match in the fourth set, 20–20, erasing La Salle’s four-point lead, but eventually succumbing to the more experienced Lady Spikers.
Eya Laure was once again not in the game for UST, making the Tigresses rely mostly on their rookies.
With their first round win against Adamson University being carried over, the Golden Tigresses fell to a 1–1 win/loss record in the Pool F of the Shakey’s Volleyball Super League Quarterfinals.
The Golden Tigresses will try to get back in the winning column against FEU this coming Saturday, November 5.
