The University of Santo Tomas Tigresses are not ready to give their claim to the crown that is at stake in the 81st University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball tournament.
Season MVP Cherry Rondina said she would do everything to win the crown for UST.
”Sabi ko sa kanila, di tayo susuko. Di pa natin nakukuha ‘yung pangarap natin,” said Rondina, as the Tigresses prepare to meet the Lady Eagles for one last time in Game 3 at 4 p.m. today the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Lady Eagles are expected to be better prepared to deal with the Tigresses and will battle for the crown with equal ferocity.
“We won’t go down without a fight. And this is what we told each other. Binigay na sa amin ni Lord ito. Why won’t we grab the opportunity, “said Maddie Madayag on behalf of her Lady Eagles teammates.
As UST team skipper, Rondina reminded her teammates that they should let their win in Game 1 inspire them.
“Di tayo talo, kasi nanalo tayo nu’ng Game 1. So Game 3 last na. Ibuhos na nating lahat,” said Rondina, who had 22 points in Game 2.
The Ateneo Lady Eagles claimed a 26-24, 14-25, 25-21, 25-15, triumph over the Tigresses in Game 2 last Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The series is now even at 1-all after Tigresses made a big stand in the third set and put away the Ateneo Lady Eagles, 25-17, 25-16, 25-20, last Saturday in Game 2 at the Araneta Coliseum.
Rondina, who is from Cebu, is looking forward to a grand exit with a championship in indoor volleyball, and after collecting four titles and MVPs in beach volleyball.
The Tigresses were unable to sustain their momentum in the third set after prized rookie Eya Laure hurt her left ankle at the start of the frame.
From there, the Lady Eagles found ways to neutralize UST’s offense while terrorizing the Tigresses’ defense in the fourth.