UST eliminates UE from UAAPS81 playoff contention

“UST Tigresses bounce back after defeating UE Lady Red Warriors in three sets! 25–20, 25–20, 25–16 Best player of the match: Ysabel Jimenez with 10 points (6 attacks, 1 block, 3 service aces) #GoUSTe #KamiNaman” (Photo: UST Growling Tigers/Facebook)

Ysa Jimenez scored a total of 10 points from six attacks for UST, adding on three service aces and a block as well. Rookie KC Galdones had a total of eight points, while MaFe Galanza had 26 excellent sets and four markers. Eye Laure also continued to live up to her hype with 14 points off 12 attacks and one block. This redeems UST from their most recent four-set loss to De La Salle University (DLSU). For UE, it was only Judith Abil who was able to deliver double digits at 11 points, 15 excellent receptions, and eight digs. Kath Arado provided 21 digs and 12 excellent receptions, but it did not prevent their team’s fall to a 1-9 win-loss standing.

UST head coach Kungu Reyes applauded his team for a job well done to their victory, sharing in Filipino, “UE has a threat. Any moment that you give their team even a little bit of momentum, they’ll eat you alive,” adding, “We analyzed their past few games where they went into five sets. If they finished those well, maybe they would be the ones on top right now.” However, he concludes, “The result of this game was still somehow good. Luckily, we had another player (Jimenez) that stepped up, so that’s the beauty of us having a strong 13-woman lineup. We can interchange players at any moment.”

Even though they are officially out of eligibility for this season’s Final Four, UE will try to add to their win count as they face the Adamson University (AdU) Lady Falcons next Saturday, April 13 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. UST, on the other hand, will try to fight for that Final Four spot as they face the UP Lady Maroons next Wednesday, April 10 at the Flying V Filoil Arena in San Juan.