UST beats NU in straight sets to win third straight

MANILA, Philippines – The UST Golden Tigresses have entered their hat in the race for a UAAP Season 77 women’s volleyball tournament final four slot.

Leaning on the impressive play of Cebu native Cherry Rondina, University of Sto. Tomas made quick work of the National University Lady Bulldogs, 25-22, 25-19, 25-18, on Wednesday afternoon, January 28, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

In her best career game to date, Rondina recorded 15 points – 12 on spikes, 2 on blocks, and a service ace – to help UST improve to 4-5, putting them at a tie with NU, UP, and FEU for third place in the league standings behind Ateneo and La Salle. 

The Golden Tigresses received a combined 16 points from Pam Lastimosa and Mela Tunay and dominated their adversaries in the spike points department, 43-27. Star rookie EJ Laure put up only 6 points, as her co-freshman teammate took the reins of the squad. 

After NU raced off to a 10-3 lead early in the first set, UST head coach Odjie Mamon inserted Rondina, nicknamed “instant offense,” who quickly helped spearhead a 4-0 run.  

NU stayed on top thanks to the strong play of Jaja Santiago, but their 14-8 lead wouldn’t last long. After an 11-5 run helped UST tie the game, a number of errors – including two by Myla Pablo that were a result of miscalculated spikes – put the nail in the coffin for the Lady Bulldogs in the first set.  

Rondina caught fire again in the second set, helping her squad establish a five-point lead late, 22-17. With a 2-0 sets lead in sight, Lastimosa converted on a pair of attacks to give her club a 25-19 win.

Both sides went back and forth in the third set, but UST was able to eventually pull away and seal the game. 

Santiago led NU with 14 points, while Pablo put up just 7. Jorelle Singh recorded 6 points and 5 digs. 

After starting the season at 1-4, UST will now have the opportunity to reach .500. But before doing so, they will first have to beat the FEU Lady Tamaraws on Sunday, February 1. 

The day before on Saturday, January 31, NU will take on the De La Salle University Lady Spikers. 

– Rappler.com