Angge Poyos led University of Santo Tomas to a thrilling four-set victory over Far Eastern University, 24-26, 25-20, 25-21, 25-14, to capture its first V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge title in 14 years on Friday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The Golden Tigresses secured their seventh V-League championship and their first since 2010.
Coincidentally, UST also went on to win the UAAP Season 72 women’s volleyball title in that same year.
UST relied heavily on the return of MVP Angge Poyos, who missed Game 2 due to illness.
Poyos made her presence felt in Game 3, delivering 31 points from 29 attacks and two blocks, along with eight excellent receptions.
“Very happy ako kasi nakabalik ako sa Game 3. Unang-una goal ko lang talaga ang makatulong sa team, so thankful na nakuha namin yung championship namin,” shared the 20-year-old outside hitter.
After taking a 2-1 set lead, the Golden Tigresses came out strong in the fourth set, jumping to a commanding 14-6 lead.
A service ace from Reg Jurado and an attack error from FEU’s Lovely Lopez helped UST extend its advantage.
UST’s third-set win provided the momentum they needed to dominate the fourth set, where Poyos and Jurado relentlessly attacked the Tamaraws.
A quick hit by Pia Abbu and back-to-back kills from Jurado sealed the convincing 25-14 victory, earning the Golden Tigresses the championship.
(C) V-League Images
“Masaya yung grupo, at least naka-recover kami from an upset loss doon sa Game 2. Masaya rin kasi kumpleto yung grupo namin bukod kay Em [Banagua],” said UST head coach Kungfu Reyes.
“Na-experience ulit namin na mag-champion dito sa V-League, kaya overwhelming yung tuwa na nararamdaman namin.”
Jurado added 15 points, built on 12 attacks, two service aces, and one block. Meanwhile, Perdido chipped in with 10 points with 14 digs and eight receptions in the winner-takes-all Game 3.
Finals MVP Cassie Carballo orchestrated UST’s offense with five points and 19 excellent sets while Detdet Pepito anchored the defense with 17 digs.
On the other side, Bakanke led FEU with 16 points, including 11 attacks, four blocks, and one ace.
Jean Asis contributed nine points and two blocks, while off-the-bench sparkplug Gerzel Petallo added eight points.
FEU, which finished as silver medalists for the second straight season after last year’s defeat to the CSB Lady Blazers, once again fell short of the title.
Looking forward, both teams will now turn their attention to the ongoing Shakey’s Super League Preseason Championship.
Not even a day after their V-League triumph, UST will return to action against Lyceum of the Philippines University tomorrow at 3:30 PM at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
On the other hand, FEU aims to bounce back when they face reigning NCAA champions College of St. Benilde on Sunday, Oct. 6, at the same venue.
