UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas got a big lift from its bench in subduing Ateneo, 14-25, 25-21, 25-19, 25-23, and boost its Final Four campaign in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Maru Banaticla, Maika Ortiz and Judy Caballejo combined for 39 hits, but it was reserves Pam Lastimosa, substitute setter Loren Lantin and Jessey de Leon who delivered for the Tigresses in putting to a halt the Lady Eagles’ four-game winning streak.

“Lahat ng hinugot ko, may contribution.  Ito na ang pinakamagandang laro namin this season,” said UST rookie coach Odjie Mamon, whose wards avenged their first round loss to Ateneo.

Lastimosa, niece of former PBA star Jojo Lastimosa, finished with 12 points, including four service aces, while De Leon added five hits for the Tigresses.

Earlier, University of the East dealt University of the Philippines its eighth consecutive loss with a 25-20, 25-21, 25-21 victory and remained on course for a semifinals berth.

In baseball, Ateneo pulled another late-game run, trashing National University, 13-3, in eight innings for its second straight win also Sunday at the Rizal Memorial baseball stadium.

Matt Laurel’s two-run double keyed the Eagles’ bottom seventh inning onslaught, scoring eight runs to erase a 2-3 deficit.

In Ateneo’s 11-5 opening day win against Adamson, the Blue Eagles also came from behind by connecting seven runs in the bottom eighth to overcome a 4-5 deficit.

Later, defending champion University of Santo Tomas tripped University of the Philippines, 9-4. gados and Ritchelieu Salcedo scored victories for the Tamaraws, handled by GM Jayson Gonzales and seeking a sixth straight title.

Titleholder La Salle drubbed FEU, 3.5-.5, in women’s play.