Tigresses beat Lady Bulldogs to keep lead in UAAP volleyball

Games Wednesday 23 January 2007 Blue Eagle Gym Men 8 am – University of the Philippines vs Far Eastern University 10 am– Ateneo de Manila University vs De La Salle University Women 2 pm – Adamson University vs De La Salle University 4 pm – University of the Philippines vs Far Eastern University The University of Santo Tomas Tigresses walloped the National University Lady Bulldogs (25-10, 25-14, 25-14) in just 57 minutes to inch closer in bagging a Final Four berth on Tuesday at the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women's volleyball tournament. The game was held at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City. Mary Jean Balse's incessant attack proved fruitful as she gained 14 of her 20 points in her offensive plays, while Angeli Tabaquero added 16 hits for the Tigresses, the defending champions, who posted their second consecutive win in the second round. Reigning MVP Venus Bernal was kept to a tournament-low seven points, but her performance did not affect the España-based spikers, who played without coach August Sta. Maria, who had to attend to a prior commitment. The Tigresses now hold an 8-1 win-loss slate, half a game ahead of the second placer, the Adamson University Lady Falcons, with 7-1 card. Jennifer Cardoniga was the lone bright spot for the Lady Bulldogs, who suffered their seventh setback in nine games, with 10 markers. In another game, Patti Taganas posted a season-high 19 markers for the Ateneo de Manila Lady Eagles, while league-leading scorer Charo Soriano and rookie Kara Acevedo added 13 as their team regained the No. 4 spot with a hard-earned victory over the University of the East Red Skirts (25-20, 26-24, 25-20). The Red Skirts played aggressively in the second frame, but the Lady Eagles escaped with the left-handed Acevedo leading the way in the offense. The Lady Eagles improved their standing to 5-4 and are now holding a half-game lead over archrival La Salle Lady Archers (4-4) in th ethe hunt for the last semis slot. The Red Skirts, who placed fourth last season, are on the brink of elimination with their eighth defeat in nine matches. Action resumes Wednesday, as the resurgent Lady Falcons seek to extend their winning run to eight, tackling the Lady Archers to hopefully tie the Tigresses for the lead. - GMANews.TV