University of Santo Tomas alumni beat Thailand Youth to qualify for volleyball invitational final

By Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports

Toa Payoh Sports Hall, Monday, May 31, 2010 — The University of Santo Tomas alumni team (UST) from the Philippines swept aside the Thailand Youth team 3-0 (25-17, 25-14, 25-11) in the semi-finals of the Volleyball Association of Singapore’s Volleyball Invitational Championships.

Clearly the favourites in this match after posting stellar performances in the group stages, UST had a shaky start as they allowed Thailand to draw close. By the first technical timeout, UST only managed a two-point lead over Thailand.

Thailand kept close, but saw UST pull ahead to lead 12-8 prompting a timeout from Thailand. Thailand were left to play catchup, as UST stormed ahead to lead 16-10 by the second technical timeout. UST subsequently sealed the game 25-17.

Things were different in the second set as UST stormed ahead to lead 8-2 by the first technical timeout. Thailand had no answer to UST’s spikes, and helplessly watched UST extend their lead to 12 points by the second technical timeout. However, Thailand were not going to let UST have an easy win as they fought hard to keep UST at bay.

With UST at the 23-point mark, they saw Thailand rake in several points as UST had difficulty sealing the set. Things were the same at the 24-point mark as they conceded several points to Thailand. Michelle Carolino (UST #15) came to the rescue, as her spike from the outside sealed the match for the team.

Making several changes to their roster, UST brought down a few of their starting lineup for the third set. However, things were the same as the earlier sets, as UST remained comfortably in the lead, leading 16-8 by the second technical timeout.

UST saw themselves at match point after a spike by Thailand went out of bounds. They were then given the last point after a drop ball by Thailand went out of bounds.

UST will now play in the final against TNT Singapore on Wednesday, June 2nd at 9am. Thailand Youth on the other hand, will play the Singapore Youth team on Tuesday, June 1st at 12.30pm in the 3rd/4th placing match.

Final Score
UST 3 Thailand Youth 0
25-17, 25-14, 25-11

University of Santo Tomas Alumni
De Leon Rubie (#1), Co Yu Kang Karen (#2), Carolino Marietta (#4), Balsa Mary Jean (#5), Aleta Monique (#6), Torrijos Joanna Marie (#7), Ponce de Leon Vilet (#8, Libero), Co Yu Kang Kate (#9), Pimentel Roxanne (#10), Tabaquero Angeli (#12), Carolino Michelle (#15)

Thailand Youth
Chamnanthurakit Veruya (#1), Phopmaung Sagultara (#2), Whanphet Piyawan (#3), Tongsumrit Vannapa (#4), Thaimsinwathanachai Chutima (#5, Libero), Kongsap Isuree (#6), Thipsang Suteera (#7), Singhanat Sureerak (#8, Captain), Kaopong Patsuda (#9), Paitun Kamolchanok (#10), Sakulmak Kitsana (#11), Soithasin Pusarat (#12)

Invitational Fixtures (Women’s)
Day 5 Tuesday (1/6)
Match 9 12:30 – 15:00 Women’s 5th & 6th VAJB vs. Singapore Schools

Match 10 15:30 – 18:00 Women’s Bronze
Singapore Youth vs. Thailand Youth

Day 6 Wednesday (2/6)
Match 11 09:00 – 11:30 Women’s Final
TNT Singapore vs. UST

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