UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas seized the top spot in its group as it downed hapless University of Perpetual Help, 25-15, 25-17, 25-17, on Tuesday in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 First Conference at The Arena in San Juan.
Rookie EJ Laure came up with 11 points, and Pam Lastimosa had 10 for the Tigresses, who finished the group stage with four straight wins after their season-opening loss to defending champion National University.
The Tigresses finished the match in only 70 minutes and took the top spot with a superior quotient over No. 2 NU Lady Bulldogs, and No. 3 Davao Lady Agilas, who also hold 4-1 marks. Far Eastern University completes the cast with a 2-3 card.
Advancing from Group A were Ateneo, Arellano, Adamson and College of St. Benilde.
Odjie Mamon noted that they wanted to score a win while giving more playing time to younger players, and that taking the top ranking was not their priority.
“Pinaghandaan kasi talaga namin itong game na ito,” said UST coach. “Pero actually hindi namin in-expect na magna-number one kami.”
“We joined this to give exposure and experience sa mga players especially kina Meneses and si Laure rin para mabigyan ng taste ng high level volleyball, kalimutan na niya ang high school volleyball."
Abigael Praca finished with 11 points for Perpetual Help, which wound up winless in five matches.
The quarterfinals, a second-round of group play, start May 1.
Group 1 features UST, Ateneo, Adamson and the Davao selection, while NU, Arellano, St. Benilde, and FEU are in Group 2.
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