Defending men’s and women’s champions UST took down their respective rivals to grab their second straight win.

By: Geoff Latayan

UST had a Sunday double as they posted a pair of convincing victories to remain unscathed in the UAAP Season 73 Volleyball tournament at the Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The men’s team of coach Emil Lontoc dismantled UE in four sets, 25-8, 25-15, 23-25 and 25-20 while the women’s team, coached by Shaq de los Santos, cruised past UP in straight sets, 25-21, 25-19 and 25-16.

With their wins, the Tigers and Tigresses upgraded their win-loss slates to 2-0.

John Paul Torres led the Tigers with 23 points as they bucked a Red Warriors’ fourth set rally to gain the W.

Torres was supported by Salvador Depante III, who finished with 20 points.

Homer Lauresta and Angelone Soria combined for 27 points to lead the Red Warriors, who has yet to win a game in three matches.

In the women’s side, Aiza Maizo continued her stellar season as she led the Tigresses with 19 points. Maruja Banaticla was the other Tigress in double figures, finishing with 12 points.

Carmela Lopez led UP with 8 points.

In other games, the Ateneo Blue Eagles grabbed their very first win in the men’s tournament as they outclassed Adamson Falcons in four sets, 25-17, 22-25, 26-24 and 25-20.

Duane Craig Teves was flying at all cylinders as he led the Blue Eagles (1-2) with 17 points. Teves and company helped spoil Ron Jay Galang’s monster game for the Falcons.

Galang finished with 21 points but that was not enough to help the Falcons, who dropped to 1-1.

In another women’s matchup, UE Lady Warriors shocked ADMU Lady Eagles in five sets, 12-25, 25-20, 25-21, 13-25 and 15-13.

Cris Rosale and Jimberly Dizon combined for 45 UE points as they hang on to beat Final Four contenders ADMU, who lost their second straight five setter.

ADMU, now 1-2, was led by Fille Cainglet’s 17 points.