UST targets better late-game execution in must-win Final Four vs La Salle

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rapplerAds.displayAd( "mobile-middle-1" );MANILA, Philippines – After falling short in a crucial match against the La Salle Lady Spikers, the UST Golden Tigresses had to do a self-check as they bid to keep their UAAP women’s volleyball campaign alive. The Tigresses admitted they lacked a finishing kick, surrendering the final two sets against the Lady Spikers, 23-25, 25-20, 30-28, 29-27, during their tight playoff match for the No.



2 seed.With UST’s loss, La Salle claimed the last twice-to-beat bonus in the Final Four, making the semifinal match on Saturday, May 3, a do-or-die affair for the Tigresses.(GAME SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 volleyball)“We had a lot of opportunity [to win], but it went La Salle’s way.

We were up by 5, by 4, especially in the endgame, but we had unforced errors, and when we attacked, we get blocked,” said UST coach Kungfu Reyes after the game.“We could have countered it, but..

. what went wrong? Were there any miscalculations?”“There should be calculated hits, but we were not able to convert in the end,” he added in Filipino. La Salle leaned on its height advantage, lording over UST in the blocks department, 20-8.

UST tried to compensate in terms of athleticism, said Reyes, but the extended sets affected the players’ stamina and athleticism.The Tigresses also blew multiple leads, including set points, as the Lady Spikers banked on timely kills by Shevana Laput and Angel Canino.Both wing spikers contributed over 20 points, with their confidence also soaring high, as La Salle aims to reclaim the championship it last won in 2023.

“We need to be able to close the gap [in blocking] since our playmaking was in disarray...

the connection between the middle blockers and the setters needs to be improved,” said Reyes.“La Salle was able to read us all over.”Angge Poyos, who topscored with 24, knows the Tigresses must work extra to force a sudden death for a championship berth.

“We need to review our lapses,” she said. – Rappler.com.