UST Growling Tigers, DLSU Lady Archers win game 1 in UAAP 73 Volleyball Finals

UST's Henry Pecana goes for a power tip.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

The stage is set for the biggest volleyball game of the UAAP season 73. The University of Santo Tomas defending their respective titles in both Men's and Women's division. The FEU Tamaraws looking to avenge their loss from last year's tournament while the league leaders in Women's volleyball DLSU Lady Archers have the same idea in mind.

The UST Growling Tigers celebrating their game 1 over the FEU Tamaraws.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

In the semis, the Growling Tigers shattered the Green Archers' hopes after beating them in a 5-setter. The Tamaraws didn't have problems dealing with the UP Fighting Maroons in the process. FEU are the obvious underdogs in the tournament but have remained hungry in winning much coveted championship. UST however won't give up their crown that easily of course.

The Tamaraws came out with guns a blazing as they drew first blood in taking the first set. The defending champs didn't let up as they managed to tie up the sets and claim set number 2. It was pretty much the same thing in the third set as FEU kept the game close but UST would stave off the long rallies. The third set was in the books for UST. Long rallies were expected yet again in the fourth set but this time the Growling Tigers showed their fangs and completely destroyed the Tamaraws 3 sets to 1.

The UST Growling Tigers lead the series 1-0

UST's Jayson Ramos was named Shakey's Best Player of the Game finishing with 14 points (12 attacks and 2 blocks).

UST -- 3 FEU -- 1

20-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-23

La Salle's Stephanie Mercado on the attack.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

League leaders DLSU Lady Archers are looking to complete their season with a championship win over the defending champs the UST Tigresses. The same team that gave them their 1st taste of 5-setter game and swept them in the finals of season 72. The Lady Archers obviously haven't forgotten about it. It seems as though these two teams are destined to meet again to fight for the UAAP Volleyball title.

Verlyn Bernal of UST attempts a drop ball on DLSU's side.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

Three volleybelles playing in their final playing year, Aiza Maizo of UST, Jacq Alarca and Stephanie Mercado both from La Salle are hoping to end their UAAP careers on a good note. With everything at stake in the best-of-3 series whoever wins game 1 will get the upperhand.

The Lady Archers gather around to celebrate their game 1 victory over the Tigresses.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

The Lady Archers took control of the first 2 sets and got the 2-0 advantage over the Tigresses. In the third set however, things didn't go as planned for La Salle. Their service and reception errors were piling up and UST simply took advantage of it. The Tigresses' defense picked up quickly as the Lady Archers never got back in the set. UST easily pulled away to take set 3.

The Lady Archers doing their traditional celebratory cheer
in front of DLSU community in attendance.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

It was the same thing in the fourth as the Lady Archers were at their worst. Everything going wrong for DLSU was going quite well for UST both on offense and defense. The defending champs would score an equalizer but would lose an all important player in Maru Banaticla after coming down with an injury late in the fourth set. She finished with 19 points (15 attacks and 4 service aces).

The DLSU community in attendance acknowledging the Lady Archers' win.
(Photo by Roy Afable)

Despite forcing a 5th and deciding set UST needed a player to fill in the void left by Banaticla. UST's Midori Hirotsuji stepped up in the fifth set keeping their offense and defense in stride. With the Tigresses missing one of their top scorers for an all important game, the Lady Archers took advantage and completed their 5 set Game 1 win. Team captain Aiza Maizo had 20 points for UST.

Jacq Alarca of La Salle was Shakey's Best Player of the Game chalking up 19 points (14 attacks and 4 service aces).

DLSU -- 3 UST -- 2

25-18, 25-20, 19-25, 16-25, 15-10