EYA Laure came up with a solid debut performance for University of Santo Tomas, helping the Tigresses defeat San Beda, 27-25, 25-18, 20-25, 25-18, on Wednesday in the Shakey's V-League Season 13 Collegiate Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
Eya came a point shy off her sister UST star EJ's output, scoring 17 points on 13 kills, two blocks and two aces as UST joined opening-day winners University of the Philippines and Far Eastern University on top.
UST coach Kungfu Reyes, however, was not surprised with his guest player’s performance, saying Eya’s all-around performance was a given.
“Siya na ‘yan eh,” said Reyes. “Pero mayroon pang ilalabas, although very erratic siya kapag siya na yung nasa kabilang dulo eh. Kapag naroon siya sa kabila doon sa open, hindi ganoon ka executed ang play.”
Eya’s UST high school teammate Maji Mangulabnan was also stellar in her debut, with 29 excellent sets for UST.
“Ang outstanding doon sa laro, mas nagdedeliver pa ‘yung mga guest player namin, ‘yung mga bata na kaya naman sila nandito para mag-gain sila ng experience,” said Reyes. “Sila mas skillful pa kung mapapansin natin, sila pa ang mas malulutong pa ang palo.”
After dropping the third set, the Tigresses broke from a 14-14 deadlock in the fourth set via a commanding 10-3 rally to match point, 24-17. San Beda saved a point but Francesca Racraquin’s service error hand USt the win.
Former San Beda ace Janine Marciano made 18 points in her first game as guest player, while Racraquin had nine markers.
The Red Lionesses dropped to 0-2.
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