Tigresses pound Maroons, secure UAAP playoff spot

MANILA, Philippines - University of Santo Tomas nailed at least a playoff for a Final Four berth after breaking through with a 25-20, 25-21, 25-16 victory over regular tormentor University of the Philippines yesterday in the UAAP Season 79 women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The triumvirate of Ria Meneses, EJ Laure, and Sisi Rondina took charge as the Tigresses finally beat the Lady Maroons after conceding their last three meetings since last season and more importantly closed in on a semis slot with an 8-5 mark.

The third-running Tigresses can get a hassle-free passage to the semis with another win against the embattled National U Lady Bulldogs on Saturday.

The loss dropped UP to 7-6 in a tie with FEU and NU for No. 4 as the race for the two remaining semis seats became tighter entering last two playdates of the double-round elims.

“We know that our fate is in our hands so we don’t want to let this chance slip away,” said UST coach Kungfu Reyes, adding they were also determined to break a winless spell against the Lady Maroons since last season. 

Earlier, a Jho Maraguinot-less Ateneo stamped its class on University of the East, 25-18, 25-12, 25-10, to regain a share of the lead with arch rival La Salle at 11-2.