MANILA, Philippines -- Santo Tomas leaned on its rock-solid net defense as it shocked reigning UAAP champion Ateneo, 25-19, 25-22, 25-19, Sunday to move closer from booking a spot in the semis of the Shakey's V-League Season 11-First Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.
High school sensation EJ Laure, son of PBA player Eddie, continued her impressive showing as she led all scorers with 16 hits including 15 on kills while Pamela Lastimosa, niece of former caghe star Jojo, scattered 13.
It was, however, the Tigresses' net defense that did the trick as they had 12 blocks including five by Marivic Velaine Meneses and four by Jessey Laine de Leon that denied Alyssa Valdez from doing her thing as she finished with only 11.
"I keep telling my players that blocking will help us in this game and it did," said UST mentor Odjie Mamon.
The Tigresses sealed their second win in as many outings that put them one victory away from clinching a spot in the semis while the Lady Eagles fell to their second loss against a win and dangerously closer to elimination.