UST eliminates Tamaraws to complete semifinals cast
By Joie Frances Timbas
The UST Golden Tigresses outwitted the FEU Lady Tamaraws to secure the last semifinals seat via a tough four-set showdown, 26–24, 22–25, 25–16, 25–23, in the second round of the UAAP Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament, on April 23, Sunday afternoon, at the MOA Arena, Pasay.
The Tigresses now clinched back-to-back postseason appearances where this time around, they are gunning for the second seed to enjoy the twice-to-beat advantage.
UST had a sluggish start as the Tigresses trailed, 15–20, in the opening set. But rookie Renee Penafiel led the chase right into the set’s fairytale ending where Eya Laure’s powerful crosscourt attack completed the come-from-behind rally, 26–24.
Unlike the previous set where the Tigresses kept trailing, deadlocks and lead changes ensued in the second set with the score coming into 22-all in the clutch. However, two consecutive off-the-block attacks, on top of a smart push from libero Margarett Encarnacion, secured the second set to FEU’s favor, 25–22.
Early in the third set, Laure felt discomfort after a jump which led to her being subbed out. But she returned right away to fire up a demolishing 16–7 run from barely leading 10–9, to notch the set and lead in sets, 25–16.
Down 14–17 in what became the final set, the Tigresses suddenly stole the lead 19–17. Two powerful attacks from Laure got UST at the match point and the winning point to wrap up the battle at 25–23.
It was the veteran duo again of Laure and middle blocker Imee Hernandez who anchored the Tigresses’ offense to another victory courtesy of a combined 47 points with 28 and 19, respectively.
On the defensive end, Player of the Game libero Bernadett Pepito shined with 21 excellent digs and 18 excellent receptions.
The Tigresses (9–3) are off to a crucial faceoff as they aim to secure a twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals as they next face the defending champions NU Lady Bulldogs (9–3) on Wednesday morning, April 26, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
