University of Santo Tomas survived a tight third set before beating Philippine Coast Guard, 25-16, 25-10, 25-23, yesterday to take the solo lead in the Shakey’s V-League Season 13 Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Tigresses saw their 13-9 third-set lead shatter with the Lady Dolphins grabbing the game tempo, but the España-based crew remained their composure with EJ Laure bannering the attack late in the game.
Laure finished with 12 points, 11 coming from attacks, for UST, which followed up their 25-15, 20-25, 25-13, 25-21 win over Air Force in Saturday’s opener for a 2-0 win-loss card.
Despite the early lead at the standings, Coach Kungfu Reyes admitted they still needed to improve their game, particularly on his stalwarts’ mental attitude.
“Smooth naman kami nung first two sets, kaso nagbago ng tempo nung third. Kailangan baguhin namin yung thinking namin na kahit up kami by two (sets), hindi namin kailangang mag-relax,” said Reyes of his all-Filipino lineup.
Ria Meneses and Carla Sandoval combined for 14 points for the Tigresses, while skipper Pam Lastimosa finished seven hits in her first match since suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury.
“Siguro mga 60 to 70 percent na siya. Nakakasabay na naman siya,” said Reyes to Lastimosa, one of his key players in his UAAP lineup. (Kristel Satumbaga)
