by Kristel Satumbaga
University of Santo Tomas ousted three-time defending champion La Salle, 25-19, 25-19, 20-25, 23-25, 15-10, on Sunday to march into the finals of the UAAP women’s volleyball at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The second-seeded Tigresses made it two in a row over the Lady Archers to book their first championship appearance since 2011.
UST also halted La Salle’s imposing 10-straight finals appearance as it awaits the winner between last year’s bridesmaid Far Eastern University and fancied Ateneo in the other semis pairing.
Rookie Eya Laure exploded for a career-high 25 points including back-to-back off-the-block spikes that sealed the win for the Tigresses while graduating Sisi Rondina finished with 17points including 14 kills and two blocks.
Rondina thanked her teammates for covering her back, admitting that she was inconsistent in the match.
“I love these girls. Nawala ako kanina pero ginuide nila ako para mabalik yung kumpiyansa ko,” said Rondina (I lost my game but they guided me to get my confidence back.)
“’Whatever it takes’ talaga yung mantra namin. We got each other’s backs,” added Laure.
