Volleyball: UST survives UE scare

MANILA, Philippines - University of Santo Tomas (UST) scrambled past a surprisingly tough University of the East (UE), 25-19, 25-14, 23-25, 25-22, to end a four-game skid yesterday in UAAP Season 76 women’s volleyball at The Arena in San Juan.         

Alex Cabanos, who took over the setting chores from Loren Lantin who sprained her ankle in the opening set, closed out the match with a drop shot. The Tigresses, who improved to 3-5 in sixth place, pulled away from a 16-16 standoff to inch closer to match point but the Lady Warriors threatened to turn things around at 22-24 via a Jan Manansala kill. UE remained winless in eight games.

Rookie sensation Marck Espejo drilled in 20 hits as Ateneo dealt defending men’s champion National University (NU) its first loss of the season, 25-21, 26-24, 25-23, in men’s action.  

De La Salle also opened its second round campaign in the men’s division on a bright note with a 25-18, 25-17, 25-22 thumping of University of the Philippines.