The UST Golden Tigresses completed a comeback attempt with a five-set win over the Ateneo Lady Eagles, 20-25, 25-20, 25-16, 19-25, 16-14, in the do-or-die game of the PVL Collegiate Conference Season 3 semifinals series at the FilOil Flying V Center in San Juan, Sunday, October 5.
The sudden death semis decider was a tug of war from the start until the end as both teams started strong in the first two sets and had a see-saw battle in the third and fourth sets before UST ultimately pulled away in the fifth set.
The first set started out as a back and forth affair but eventually Ateneo drew first blood with attacks from Erika Raagas, Jules Samonte and Vanie Gandler while causing the Tigresses to give up 10 errors as they won the first set, 20-25.
UST became more balanced with the setting of Maji Mangulabnan as the Tigresses equalized the game in the second set and forced Ateneo to 10 errors.
The Tigresses then carried the momentum to third set and overpowered Ateneo with 15 attacks as compared to the Lady Eagles’ six. Individual efforts from Eya Laure, Janna Torres, Imee Hernandez, and KC Galdones helped the Tigresses to easily win the set, 25-16.
Ateneo then bounced back in the fourth set as Faith Nisperos went on fire to carry the Lady Eagles to force a fifth and final set.
Both teams started the final set on a strong note, exchanging counter runs until Faith Nisperos scored the equalized to bring it to 14-all, but the Tigresses scored two straight points to finally ice the game at 16-14.
UST was led by Eya Laure who poured in 21 points while her older sister EJ showed her defensive prowess with 13 digs. Game two hero Imee Hernandez also had 14 markers of her own.
On the other hand, rookie Faith Nisperos tallied 23 points, while Erika Ragas had 10 points to lead the Lady Eagles.
UST will face the winner between CSB Lady Blazers and Adamson Lady Falcons at the finals. Game 1 will be on Wednesday, October 9 at the same venue.
Comments