Tigresses boost semifinals bid

MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas recovered from a third set blip, trouncing National U, 27-25, 25-17, 20-25, 25-16, to clinch at least a playoff for the other twice-to-beat semis incentive in the UAAP season 81 women’s volleyball at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan yesterday.

Graduating spiker Sisi Rondina fired all of her team-best 21-point effort from the attack zone while also flexing her muscle on defense, logging 13 excellent receptions and 10 digs to help tow the Tigresses to their 10th win against four losses at third.

UST closed in on second-running La Salle (10-3) as they stayed in the hunt for the other Top Two bonus.

But the Tigresses would have to hope for a Lady Spikers loss to the Far Eastern U Lady Tams at 4 p.m. today to force the playoff.

Eya Laure smacked 13 points, KC Galdones guarded the net with four blocks and totaled seven points while Alina Bicar also put in seven points on top of her 21 excellent sets.

In the other match, Adamson U denied University of the Philippines of a saving grace, wrapping up its campaign with just its second win, 25-20, 25-23, 25-19.

The pre-season favorite Lady Maroons, ousted by the Lady Bulldogs the last time out, were denied of a graceful exit as they dropped to a 6-8 card.