By Adrian Stewart Co

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) earned a ‘twice-to-beat’ advantage in the UAAP Season 81 women’s volleyball “Final 4” following their 25-14, 25-23, 23-25, 25-19 victory over De La Salle University (DLSU) earlier this week at the San Juan Arena. The two are set to meet again in the semifinals on Sunday.

Cherry Rondina led the win with 29 points on 25 attacks, two blocks, and two service aces; while rookie Ejiya Laure contributed 17 markers.

While UST surged to a 9-3 lead on early hits from Rondina and Laure, DLSU managed to narrow the gap to 15-11; however, UST pulled away anew behind Rondina, Ysa Jimenez, and Alina Bicar.

In the second set, DLSU gained an early edge but UST went on to regain its form, jumping to a 16-8 lead. After DLSU clawed its way back to 24-23, UST ended it with a hit from Rondina.

After surrendering the third set, UST struggled early in the fourth before taking a 16-13 lead. Hits from Rondina extended the lead to 20-14 before they thwarted a DLSU run with shots from Laure./ASC, WDJ