by Kristel Satumbaga University of Santo Tomas assured itself of at least a playoff for the remaining twice-to-beat semifinal privilege on Saturday with a 27-25, 25-17, 20-25, 25-16 triumph over National University in UAAP women's volleyball at The Arena in San Juan City. Sisi Rondina spearheaded the Tigresses in pouncing on the Lady Bulldogs by firing all her 21 points on attacks to finish the season with 10 wins and four losses. This was the best elimination round performance for UST since the 2010-2011 season where the Tigresses also finished with a 10-4 record. The win put the España-based squad at third, just half a game behind second-running La Salle's 10-3 mark. Though Final Four seedings have yet to be finalized after Sunday’s matches, UST is still facing the three-time champion La Salle in the next phase. Rondina and Eya Laure both said the coaching staff’s positive approach to them translated to their performance in the court. “Di nila kami sinusukuan kahit pangit o maganda yung laro namin kaya mas ginaganahan kaming pagbutihin pa ang laro namin,” said Laure, who also stepped up with 13 points. (They don’t give up on us whether we play poorly or impressive, and we’re motivated to do better because of it.) NU finished its campaign with four wins and 10 losses.