THE decades-long rivalry between University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University is still relevant after all. Displaying nerves of steel down the stretch, the Tigresses survive a stiff Lady Tamaraws challenge before registering a 22-25, 21-25, 25-15, 25-22, 15-11 win and clinch the second semifinals bonus in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
In the other match, La Salle booked the top seed in the playoffs by whipping University of the Philippines, 25-16, 25-18, 25-14.
“Sinabi ko sa mga bata na hindi dapat tayo maging complacent dahil iba na ang inilaro ng FEU sa second round. Mabuti at naging maganda ang depensa, blocking at service namin sa fourth and fifth set na siyang nag-offset sa mga miscommunication ng mga plays nila,” said UST mentor Shaq delos Santos.
The Lady Tamaraws last threatened at 9-13 via a Rosemarie Vargas kill before MVP contender Aiza Maizo took charge for the Tigresses to escape with the hard-earned win.
UST improved to 10-3 card, where the España-based spikers will meet either Ateneo or Adamson in the ‘Final Four’.
On Sunday, the Lady Eagles and the Lady Falcons collide for the No. 3 slot, with the loser facing a tough semis duel with the Lady Archers.
“Kailangang bilisan ang laro namin and especially yung focus sa paglalaro, lalo’t magpe-playoffs na,” said delos Santos.
Maizo finished with 19 points, including four blocks, for the Tigresses, who drew 19 hits for Judy Caballejo in a reserve role.
FEU fell in a tie with idle National University in fifth place at 4-9.
Rookie Kathlene Magsumbol had 20 points, including four blocks, while Maica Morada added 16 hits for the Lady Tamaraws.
Two of the league’s winningest women’s volleyball squads, UST and FEU last met in the finals four years ago.
While the Tigresses remained title contenders, the Lady Tamaraws fell into hard times, as the 29-time champions will miss the ‘Final Four’ for the second straight season.
Theodore Jurado, Journal Online
