UST takes first win after nipping FEU in 4 sets

MANILA, Philippines – Ennajie Laure, Jessey de Leon, and Pam Lastimosa came out with big performances for University of Santo Tomas this afternoon as they powered the Golden Tigresses to a 25-15, 19-25, 25-18, 25-13 triumph over Far Eastern University in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 first conference, Sunday, April 6, at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.

Laure, de Leon, and Lastimosa registered 17, 16, and 15 points respectively as they led UST to their first win of the season and joined FEU and San Sebastian in second place of Group B with one win in two games.

Both teams got off to a good start as they swapped runs in the early goings but the Espana-based squad slowly pulled away and led FEU by as much as ten points en route to a 25-15 first set win.

The Lady Tamaraws, however, refused to be blown away as they relied on their youngsters – led by Bernadette Pons who finished with 14 points – to even the game to one set apiece.

FEU and UST then engaged in an intense see-saw third set battle as they literally exchanged points but the Morayta crew couldn’t keep up with the energetic Tigresses as coach Odjie Mamon’s girls ended the canto with a searing 10-3 rally.

The Tigresses then simply outplayed FEU and wrapped up the game with a comprehensive 25-13 fourth set victory.

Chlodia Cortez also pitched in 11 markers for UST while Carmela Tunay and Marivic Meneses connived for 14 points.

FEU meanwhile, leaned mainly on their newcomers as Marie Charlemagne Simborio finished with 11 and Mary Palma added 9 to back Pons’ team-high 14-point production.

Dancel Jan Dusaran and Pam Lastimosa took care of UST’s defense as they combined for 22 excellent digs and forced FEU to 18 miscues.

The undefeated National University is on top of Group B with a 2-0 slate as FEU, SSC, and UST tangle in a three-team tie for second place. 

FEU will try to share the top spot on April 10 when they go up against the Lady Bulldogs while UST returns to action on April 13 against the Lady Stags. – Rappler.com