MANILA, Philippines -- Pam Lastimosa and Carmela Tunay came through with killer blows as University of Santo Tomas thwarted a Far Eastern University fightback in the third set to hammer out a 25-19, 25-21, 25-23 victory and move up to solo third in the UAAP Season 77 women's volleyball tournament Sunday at the Filoil Flying V Arena.
The Lady Tamaraws were poised to extend the game by moving two points closer to set point, when the Tigresses showed poise under pressure to repeat against their long-time nemesis in the sport.
Lastimosa shattered the game's last deadlock at 23-23 with a tip-in before Tunay nailed a down-the-line hit to clinch the victory for UST, which moved to the .500 mark with its fifth win in 10 outings.
"We sorted out yung problema nila about lack of commitment. Now, they are looking forward to every training and lalo na sa game. Nabuhay yung excitement nila na maglaro. The enthusiasm to play," said Tigresses mentor Odjie Mamon, whose troops have won four straight after a five-game losing skid.
Rookie EJ Laure drilled in 17 hits while Lastimosa and Tunay combined for 21 markers for UST.
Earlier, Adamson University joined FEU, University of the Philippines and National University in a four-way logjam for fourth place with a 25-15, 25-22, 25-17 decision over University of the East.
The Lady Warriors were ahead, 16-14, in the third set before the Lady Falcons rallied behind Amanda Villanueva and Mylene Paat to arrest a four-game losing skid and improve to 4-6 overall.
The Lady Tamaraws, who were led by Jerrili Malabanan with six points, lost for the third time in the last four outings.
In the men's division, FEU and UP kept its slim semifinals hopes alive, as the Tamaraws (4-6), behind Greg Dolor's 15 points, nipped La Salle (2-8), 25-17, 17-25, 25-22, 27-29, 15-10, and Wendel Miguel's 18 hits lifted the Fighting Maroons (4-6) to a 25-19, 20-25, 23-25, 25-17, 15-8 over winless UE (0-10).
Despite absorbing a 10th straight loss, the Lady Warriors continue to improve their level of play which is noticeable in the second round.
"Actually, maganda ang inilaro ng UE. Every game, puwede kaming matalo. Mabuti na lang at nag-adjust kami," said Adamson coach Sherwin Meneses.
Villanueva had 13 points and 13 digs, Paat had four blocks to finish with 13 points, while Jessica Galanza also had 11 points for the Lady Falcons.
Shaya Adorador tallied 12 hits, including three service aces), and three digs, while Angelica Dacaymat added nine markers for the Lady Warriors.