UST Tigresses seek to keep form versus FEU Tamaraws
THE University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses seek to stay galloping in UAAP Season 81 when they go up against the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws in league action on Saturday, March 2, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Opened their University Athletic Association of the Philippines campaign with a 2-record in their first three matches, the Tigresses try to fortify their spot in the top half of the standings with a victory over the stumbling Lady Tamaraws (1-2) in their 2 p.m. match-up.
Playing in the main game of women’s play at 4 p.m. are the defending champions De La Salle Lady Spikers (3-0) against the University of the Philippines Lady Fighting Maroons (2-1).
Leading UST’s strong start early is the “Big Three” of senior Sisi Rondina, sophomore Milena Alessandrini and rookie Eya Laure.
Rondina has been averaging 18 points a game for the Tigresses so far with Alessandrini and Laure chipping in 15.6 points per match each.
The team has been tops in spiking in the league with a 29.4% success rate.
The Tigresses are coming off a spirited four sets victory over UP, 21-25, 25-22, 25-16 and 25-20, on Feb. 24.
Versus the Lady Maroons, UST held their own amid a spirited back-and-forth to bring down erstwhile undefeated UP.
Alessandrini led the Tigresses in the victory with 22 points, 19 coming from attacks and three from blocks.
Laure added 18 points while Rondina finished with 17.
“We are having a good start at 2-1; a good position. We will continue fighting until the end of the season. Our aim is to go deep in the tournament and we are going to give our all each game,” said UST coach Kung-fu Reyes following their win over UP.
Meanwhile, waiting for UST is FEU, which has slipped since opening the tournament with a victory.
The Lady Tamaraws lost to the Ateneo Lady Eagles in their last game by way of a heartbreaking five-setter after taking the first two sets and they hope to bounce back and set their campaign back on the right track.
Rookie Lycha Ebon is topscoring for FEU in the season with 12.3 points per game, followed by Cel Domingo with 11.6 points and Heather Guino-o 11.3 points.