Rondina powers Tigresses vs UE

UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas (UST), set loss to reigning titlist De La Salle University, overpowered University of the East (UE), 25-17, 25-15, 2521, to enter the win column in the UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Sisi Rondina followed up her sensational 28-point showing against the Lady Spikers with a 20-point, nine-dig outing to lead the Tigresses in improving their record to 1-1 in the young season.

“After two games, it is still a good start for us. Although Although natalo kami ng first namin,hind isiya mas

masakit. It’s a good indication na kaya naming sumabay,” said UST mentor Kungfu Reyes.

Meanne Mendrez scored 10 points for the Lady Warriors, who fell at 0-2.

Men’s action saw defending champion Ateneo rebounding from what coach Oliver Almadro described as a “terrible loss” to Far Eastern University in the opener with a 2624, 25-21, 17-25, 25-19 conquest of NU.

Reigning MVP Marck Espejo came through with 24 hits and 19 excellent receptions for the Blue Eagles, who dropped a 18-25, 19-25, 22-25 loss to the Tamaraws last Sunday that ended a 30-game

GAMES SATURDAY: (Filoil Flying V Centre) 8 a.m. – FEU vs AdU (Men) 10 a.m. – DLSU vs UP (Men) 2 p.m. – FEU vs AdU ( Women) 4 p.m. – DLSU vs UP ( Women)

winning run.

“FEU is a good team. It’s not a reality check. They really came prepared,” said Almadro.

Jao Umandal and JJ Buno each had 12 hits as UST defeated UE, 2511, 25-21, 20-25, 25-15, to seize the solo lead at 2-0.

In the men’s side, Ateneo De Manila University banked on Marck Espejo to beat National University, 26- 24, 25- 21, 17- 25, 25- 19, and bounce back from an opening day loss to Far Eastern University last Sunday.

Espejo had 24 points, including 22 kills, to lead the Blue Eagles, whose win- loss record improved to 1-1.

Unbeaten UST won over UE, 2511, 25-21, 20-25, 25-15, to bag its second straight win in two games behind Jireh Buro and Joshua Umandal who scored 12 points each.

NU fell to 1-1 win-loss record and UE dropped to 0-2.

PHOTO BY ROGER RAÑADA Cherry Rondina No. 16 of UST dives for the ball as her teammate Milena Alessandrini looks on during the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament at the San Juan Arena on Wednesday.