Alessandrini-less UST stuns DLSU in sweep

SAN JUAN, Philippines – Despite missing the services of Milena Alessandrini, the UST Golden Tigresses upset defending champions DLSU Lady Spikers in straight sets, 25-20, 25-22, 25-17, in the 81st UAAP women's volleyball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Centre on Wednesday.

DLSU is now on a two-game losing streak while the Golden Tigresses improve to a 3-2 standing.

Sisi Rondina dominated the green and white defense, scoring a game-high 19 points. UST rookie Eya contributed 15. 

Making her return to the starting six, Dimdim Pacres chipped in eight points.

Meanwhile, no Lady Spikers scored double digits. Jolina dela Cruz led DLSU with eight.

From the get go, the Golden Tigresses dictated the pace of the match. 

A slow start doomed the Lady Spikers after falling to an early 3-11 deficit against the Espana-based squad.

Despite getting back into the game and trimming the UST lead to two, 20-22, DLSU just couldn't overcome the red-hot Tigresses.

UST drew first blood, 25-20.

DLSU had a better start come the second set, finally looking like the championship team that they are.

But Rondina and Laure still outplayed the DLSU offense.

A mis-set from Michelle Cobb sent the Lady Spikers to a 0-2 hole, 22-25.

Come the third set, momentum was clearly on UST's side. 

Still struggling to find their offense, the Lady Spikers barely played at pace with UST.

DLSU trailed by one in the middle of the set, 12-13.

But three straight errors took the game out of DLSU's hands once again.

The Espana-based squad's offense quickly exploited DLSU's misplays and finished them off in the third, 25-17.

The Golden Tigresses hope to carry the momentum of their win when they go against National University on Saturday.