UNIVERSITY of Sto. Tomas boosted its semifinal bid, edging Far Eastern University, 17-25, 25-17, 26-24, 25-21, on Saturday in the UAAP Season 79 women's volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
EJ Laure scored 20, including the match-winning off the block hit, as the Tigresses recorded their seventh win in 11 matches, joining idle National University in third spot.
The Lady Tamaraws dropped to 5-6, in sixth spot behind University of the Philippines, which holds a 6-5 win-loss record.
“Kulang pa sa pandiin although kontrolado pero hindi pa rin maganda sa mata eh,” said UST coach Kungfu Reyes whose wards nearly squandered a 24-16 lead in the fourth set.
FEU saved five match points before Laure took charge.
“Kailangan lang naming ’yung endgame kasi doon kami nagkukulang. Napakalaking disadvantage sa amin na match point tapos iiskor pa ng lima ang kalaban sa amin,” said Reyes.
Sisi Rondina had 15 markers and 13 digs, Mary Dominique Pacres added nine points, Alina Bicar chipped in eight and Ria Meneses contributed six.
The Tigresses duplicated their four-set win over the Lady Tamaraws in the first round.
UST will face La Salle on Wednesday, University of the Philippines on April 2 and National University on April 8.
Bernadeth Pons scored 17 points for FEU, while Toni Rose Basas made 13 and skipper Remy Palma had 12.
FEU's next assignment is University of the East on Wednesday, NU on April 1 and UP on April 7.