WITH the way University of Santo Tomas played in the season opener, the Tigresses won’t just easily give up the Shakey’s V-League first conference crown.
UST starts its bid for a third consecutive title on a bright note by plummeling Far Eastern University, 25-9, 25-13, 25-13, at the start of hostilities Sunday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
In the first game, Thai import Sontaya Keawbundit unloaded 13 hits as Ateneo slipped past College of Saint Benilde, 25-21, 26-24, 25-19.
Skipper Aiza Maizo uncorked 17 points while Maika Ortiz added 10 hits for the Tigresses, the reigning UAAP champion UST.
Coach Shaq delos Santos was visibly happy on the performance of the Tigresses, who are gunning for a sixth championship overall in the event organized by Sports Vision and backed by Shakey’s Pizza.
“I’m very satisfied, maganda ang umpisa ng inilaro ng mga bata. Our main goal is to make it to the finals, especially now that the stakes are higher with the presence of the Thai imports,” said delos Santos.
UST could not done anything wrong in the 58-minute match, as guest player Mary Jean Balse played sparingly, but the two-time MVP was still able to finish with hits.
“Nag-practice lamang siya sa amin ng apat na beses and nag-aadjust siya sa bagong role niya na hindi siya ang quicker,” said delos Santos.
Monique Tiangco had six hits while reigning UAAP MVP Cherry Vivas and guest player Ronerry dela Cruz chipped in four points apiece for the Lady Tamaraws.
Dela Cruz, a sophomore hitter from University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, became the reinforcement of the Lady Tamaraws in the tournament supported by Accel, Mikasa, Mighty Bond and PLDT Watchpad, after the Morayta-based squad failed to enlist the services of sisters Michelle and Mayette Carolino.
FEU is waiting for the return of ace scorer Rachel Daquis, who will come back from Germany in the quarterfinals just in case the Lady Tamaraws survives the elimination round.
Fille Cainglet added 12 points despite being fielded in only in the second set for the Lady Eagles, who are coming off from a breakthrough third place finish in the recently-concluded UAAP women’s volleyball tournament.
“Wala naman kaming problema sa opensa. Kailangan lang namang ayusin namin yung receiving at yung floor defense,” said Ateneo mentor Clint Malazo.
The Lady Blazers moved closer in clinching the set point in the second frame, 24-23, but an attacking error by guest player Jennifer Manzano followed up by a service ace by Sontaya allowed the Lady Eagles to take a 25-24 lead.
St. Benilde, which made it to the quarterfinals last conference, last led in the third set, 18-16, after Rossan Fajardo scored a kill before Cainglet and setter Jem Ferrer took over for Ateneo to erect a 24-16 advantage.
Fajardo finished with a career-high 19 hits while Manzano, a La Salle-Dasmariñas standout, added seven points for the Lady Blazers.
Ace St. Benilde hitter Giza Yumang, the league’s best attacker last conference, was a big letdown, scoring seven points, while Katty Kwan missed the game due to personal commitments.
Before the game, the the league held a brief but colorful opening ceremonies with San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito as guest speaker, while tournament commissioner Tony Liao, Sports Vision official Ricky Palou at Shakey’s Pizza executives Vic Gregorio, Coochy Mamaclay and Barbie Ocampo did the ceremonial serve. (TJ)
