University of Santo Tomas moved a step closer to securing a twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four as the Tigresses defeated the Adamson Lady Falcons, 25-17, 25-20, 25-23, Sunday in the UAAP women's volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.

Aiza Maizo and Judy Caballejo tallied 15 points each while Maruja Banaticla added 11 points to lead the Tigresses, who improved to 9-3 and moved a game-and-a-half ahead of Adamson (8-5) and Ateneo (8-5).

UST coach Cesail Delos Santos commended Caballero, who has shown remarkable improvement in her game lately.

"Her game is different right now, because we are really focusing our offense on her," said Delos Santos.

The Tigresses need to win one of their two remaining games to secure the No.2 spot that entails a twice-to-beat incentive. They face Far Eastern University on Wednesday and La Salle on Sunday.

Ma. Pau Soriano and Angela Benting led the way for the Lady Falcons with 13 and 12 points, respectively, but their efforts were not enough to stop the Tigresses’ attack.

Adamson and Ateneo go at it on Sunday in their last elimination-round game of the season. The Lady Falcons are hoping UST will lose all its remaining matches to remain in contention for the twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals.

La Salle reasserted its dominance in the tournament by sweeping Ateneo, 25-18, 25-11, 25-12, in the second game for its 11th win in 12 outings.

The Lady Archers blew past the Lady Eagles as Jacq Alarca and Stephanie Mercado combined for 22 points and Abigail Marano contributed 10 markers..

Fille Cainglet had 11 for Ateneo, but the Lady Eagles couldn’t crack La Salle’s airtight defense at the net.