Maika Ortiz came alive as UST got back at NU. Photo by Josh Albelda

MANILA, Philippines --- University of Santo Tomas leaned on its experience to exact vengeance on National University and climb to solo fourth in the 75th UAAP women's volleyball tournament Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

With their backs against the wall, the Golden Tigresses gutted out a hard-earned 25-21, 25-21, 23-25, 25-17, triumph that solidified their chances of barging into the Final Fourth after improving to 7-5.

Seeking to break out of a three-way tie for the last playoff berth, UST entered the match with a sense of urgency and piled up the points late in the sets.

The Lady Bulldogs actually controlled the early part of all four sets, but the Tigresses flashed nerves of steel to steal momentum and send their opponents to sixth place with a 6-6- card.