Shorthanded UST beats NU volleybelles, cements hold of 2nd spot

Despite missing the services of ace hitter Aiza Maizo, veteran setter Rhea Dimaculangan and rookie Dindin Santiago, University of Santo Tomas disposed of the challenge of National University, 27-25, 25-12, 25-14 to remain in second place in the 72nd UAAP volleyball tournament Wednesday at The Arena in San Juan.

Maizo and Dimaculangan came into the game late due to a commitment in school and coach Cesael de los Santos opted not to field them anymore. Santiago, for her part, suffered a bad fall after accidentally stepping on the foot of an NU defender early in the first set. Ma. Angeli Tabaquero scored a game-high 23 points that included 18 hits, four blocks and an ace to lead the Tigresses to their sixth straight win that solidified their grasp of second at 10-2 behind defending champion La Salle which has a clean 11-0 card. Judy Ann Caballejo added six hits, three blocks and an ace as the Tigresses dealt the Lady Bulldogs their 12th straight setback. Earlier, Angeline Gervacio scored 16 points while Bea Pascual punched in 15 markers as the Ateneo Lady Eagles trounced University of the Philippines, 25-17, 25-14, 25-21. The victory installed the Katipunan-based volleybelles to solo third place with an 8-4 win-loss record and assured them of a playoff for the Final Four. “Okay na ako sa lagay namin. Pipilitin naming maipanalo yung last two games para maabot namin at least yung No. 3 spot sa semis," said Ateneo coach Roger Gorayeb, whose wards have won their last three games. The Lady Maroons suffered their eighth loss in 12 games and formally bombed out of contention for the last semifinals berth. - GMANews.TV