Returning UST in relatively easy win in V-League v'ball opener

MANILA, Philippines - The University of Santo Tomas Tigresses' lapses were supposedly caused by their long layoff. But the end result suggested that nothing has changed in the way the former three-time champions play. Aiza Mazo and Mary Jean Balse combined for 27 hits, including 23 kills, and the Tigresses survived a third-set bump to win 25-13, 25-17, 20-25, 25-16 over the College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers in the Shakey's V-League 2nd conference Sunday at The Arena in San Juan. "It's nice to be back, although we are still trying to make some adjustments," said UST coach Cesael Delos Santos. UST was looking to coast to a ho-hum result after two blow-out sets, but power-hitter Giza Yumang tacked 11 hits to lead Saint Benilde's third-set rally. The Tigresses got their bearing back in the fourth to seal their first win on the V-League's opening day. UST and La Salle, which split the tournament's first six championships, took a leave of absence from the first conference earlier this year. - GMANews.TV