THE UST Golden Tigresses failed to contain the DLSU Lady Spikers in another five-setter clash, 15-25, 25-17, 24-26, 25-21, 16-14, in the second round of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball on March 29, Saturday, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
DLSU ended its five-game losing streak against UST, which dated back to the elimination round of Season 86.
With the loss, the España-based squad fell to a 5-4 slate, while the Taft team became the sole third placer with a 6-3 record.
The Tigresses had a fiery 19-10 start topped by a block from Pia Abbu. With UST at set-point, star spiker Angel Canino scored back-to-back kills before Tigress open hitter Mabs Hilongo closed it off with a back row kill, 25-15.
The Lady Spikers found their rhythm in the second set as Amie Provido blocked Tigress import Blessing Unkewe to take a 17-8 advantage.
DLSU senior Jean Soreño checked in the game for the first time and made immediate impact. She slapped a down-the-line kill and an ace to hand her team the set, 25-17.
Deadlock at 12-all in the third frame, the Tigresses stormed to a 5-0 run to shift the momentum to their side. The Lady Spikers, however, fought back to extend the set after Canino pierced through the defense in back-to-back possessions, 24-all.
UST maintained composure, scoring two consecutive points to claim a 2-1 set edge.
The fourth set started off sluggish after Canino took a hit at the back of her neck from teammate Shevana Laput. The Lady Spikers then controlled the pace, forcing a decider capped off by an ace from setter Mikole Reyes, 25-20.
It was a tight fifth set as both teams clung into each other in a see-saw battle. With DLSU at match point, Jurado sent the game to an extension after an off-the-block hit.
The Lady Spikers got the last laugh as Provido went for a huge rejection on Jurado for the victory.
Four players were in double digits for DLSU. Canino anchored the offense with 27 points on 24 attacks, While Laput tallied 16 markers. Provido and Malaluan added 12 and 10 respectively.
For UST, Jurado posted a double-double with 22 points and 14 digs, followed by Poyos who totaled 12. Captain and libero Detdet Pepito produced 22 excellent digs and 21 receptions.
The Tigresses will seek to return to the winning column as they face the Adamson Lady Falcons on Wednesday, April 2, at the same venue. F
