Rookie Imee Hernandez delivered at crunch time scoring six points in the tightly-contested fifth set wind-up including back-to-back markers that gave the Tigresses a two-point cushion late in the frame as UST held on for a 2-0 win-loss record tied with Arellano University.
The 18-year old middle got 20 points off 16 spikes, three kill blocks and an ace while Rachelle Roldan posted 17 points highlighted by 13 kills including the game-clinching crosscourt hit for the Tigresses to seal the two-hour, 11-minute clash. Roldan also chipped in on floor defense with 11 digs and 10 excellent receptions.
Skipper Kecelyn Galdones had 15 points while EJ Laure played an efficient game with 13 points including four kill blocks and added 11 digs for the Espana-based squad.
After squandering a 6-3 lead in the fifth set and going down, 10-11, after a Klarisa Abriam tip, the Tigresses scored three straight points capped by Hernandez’s quick attack and kill block on Mycah Go to take a 13-11 advantage. Gayle Pascual stopped the bleeding for CSB before Hernandez’s quick attack that put UST at match point.
"Maganda 'yung palitan ng laro. Talagang neck-and-neck ang labanan namin kasi malalaki rin 'yung kabila. Sa amin naman, mga bata talaga 'yung sa amin bukod kay EJ [Laure]. So, ang importante ay kung paano magre-react in certain scenarios," said UST head coach Kungfu Reyes.
"At least, nakikita mo na 'yung full potential ng team kahit na composed of rookies and sophomores 'yung team namin," he added.
UST had a chance to end the match in the fourth frame after erasing a 15-21 deficit with a 9-3 scoring spurt to tie the set at 24 but Abriam scored on an off the block kill before Galdones sent her attack long.
The Lady Blazers slid to 1-1 slate.
Abriam led CSB with 14 points, Pascual got 13 while Michelle Gamit and Go scored 12 and 10 markers, respectively.
Meanwhile, San Beda University barged in the win column with a come-from-behind 21-25, 21-25, 25-23, 25-8, 15-11, win over Letran.
Cesca Racraquin fired 21 attacks, five aces and a kill block for 27 points coupled by 18 digs for the Lady Red Spikers. Kimberly Manzano got 16 markers while setter Lynne Matias tallied 24 excellent sets for San Beda.
Chamberlaine Cunada finished with 22 points while Charm Simborio scored 16 markers in a lost cause for the Lady Knights, who are winless in two outings.
SOURCE: https://sports.abs-cbn.com/pvl/news/2019/08/25/pvl-tigresses-keep-unbeaten-slate-upset-escape-60254
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