V-League: UST defeats Adamson for third place trophy

The UST Golden Tigresses claimed the bronze medal in the first conference of the Shakey’s V-League 10th season in four sets, 25-18, 25-19, 19-25, 25-16, over the Adamson Lady Falcons Sunday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

Santo Tomas actually dropped game one by scores of 23-25, 25-23, 19-25, 25-23, 15-12, but forced a decider in game two 24-26, 25-17, 25-20, 25-17.

UST coach Odjie Mamon exclaimed after the game that he was happy for the win as his team was able to bag “the next best thing” with the podium finish.

With Maika Ortiz scoring the first point of the match via her patented running spike, the Tigresses opened the set with a quick 8-3 lead. Taking advantage of Adamson's unforced errors, UST upped their lead to eight at 17-9.

Angela Benting remained aggressive for the Lady Falcons but Pamela Lastimosa was just too good for the Tigresses, as she extended the UST lead to 20-11. Thanks to Jessey De Leon and a spark from Ingrid Reyes, the Tigresses easily grabbed the first set at 25-18.

The UST Tigresses remained on target in the second set as Rhea Dimaculangan distributed the ball well to her teammates. Unfortunately for them, a couple of service errors on their part kept the Lady Falcons close, trailing only by one, at 8-7.

Adamson bounced back care of Faye Guevara’s defense and Mayette Zapanta’s services, which propelled the Lady Falcons on top at 19-13. Despite UST benefitting well from beach volleyball specialist Judy Caballejo, Adamson produced a more cohesive offense than the first set to prevent any UST comeback. Pau Soriano stepped up for the Lady Falcons as Adamson tied the match at one set a piece at 25-19.

It was a much better offensive output from the Tigresses in the third set as Lastimosa was relentless in serving up consecutive cross-court attacks for UST. With Reyes and Carmela Tunay helping in the scoring department, the Tigresses started the set with an 11-5 advantage. Behind well-timed blocks and Ortiz delivering down-the-line spikes, UST maintained their lead at 16-8.

Lastimosa, Reyes, and De Leon continued to challenge the Adamson defenders with block-piercing spikes as UST was able to reach a 10-point lead at 21-11. However, unforced errors, miscommunication, and Pau Soriano attacking piled up the pressure on UST as the Lady Falcons grooved to a 5-0 scoring run to inch closer at 21-16.

With the momentum flowing for Adamson, UST was fortunate enough that the Lady Falcons botched two service aces down the stretch, deflating any chance of stealing the set. UST finished the third with a score of 25-19.  

The Ortiz-Lastimosa tandem took charge at the start of the fourth set as they piled up a 10-6 lead. The fresh legs of Amanda Villanueva and the aggressiveness of Soriano answered back to take the lead at 12-11. However Lastimosa, Ortiz, and Reyes proved to be too much with their services and attacks. With the Lady Falcons struggling in their receptions, UST easily finished the match at 25-16.

Pamela Lastimosa was named the player of the game with 19 points, 15 off attacks, three blocks and a service ace. She stepped up in the place of Aiza Maizo, who was unavailable due to a family emergency.

Maika Ortiz added 16 markers, while Carmela Tunay scored 12.

Pau Soriano led Adamson with 13. Luisa Zapanta added 11 in support, while Angela Benting managed nine. Shiela Pineda was held to just six markers.  - CLP, GMA News