It was a challenging start for the University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament.
After a shocking straight-sets loss to the Adamson Lady Falcons last Saturday, the Golden Tigresses found themselves with a 2-3 record — their worst five-game start since Season 80.
That 2018 season was a nightmare for UST, finishing in seventh place with a 4-10 record.
But the 2026 Tigresses feel determined not to repeat history. Their focus is on bouncing back and proving they deserve to remain in the Final Four for the sixth consecutive season.
UST rediscovered its fangs on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, defeating the University of the Philippines despite a sluggish start, 16-25, 25-13, 25-19, 25-20.
“Move on na kaagad kasi hindi po ikabubuti sa feelings namin and sa mindset namin if mag-dwell pa kami sa mga losses namin,” said senior opposite spiker Regina Jurado after their bounce-back win.
“Ayun nga po, mahaba pa po yung season, so may opportunity pa po talagang makabawi ang team.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
With this win, the Golden Tigresses moved to .500 with a 3-3 record, creating a three-way tie for fourth to sixth place alongside the Fighting Maroons and the Lady Falcons.
UST will face Far Eastern University on Saturday to close the first round, while UP and Adamson clash on Sunday.
Angge Poyos, who tallied 24 points, seven digs, and six receptions, was proud of how UST stuck together after the Adamson defeat and a lopsided first set loss to UP.
“Thankful kasi tiniyaga talaga namin. Slow start man pero second, third, and fourth talagang inilaban namin. Hindi na kami nagtira sa sarili, 100-percent na talaga ‘yung ibinigay namin sa game na ito,” said the Season 86 Rookie of the Year.
Poyos and Jurado also carry bigger responsibilities as seniors, striving to lead the Golden Tigresses back to the Final Four despite a forgettable start.
Jurado, who was the lone spiker producing against the Lady Falcons with 18 points, was consistent again with 16 points against the Fighting Maroons.
“As seniors, talagang need talaga naming mag-step up, especially sa mga ganitong moments, mga games,” said Poyos.
“Siguro kailangan naming magpakita ng strong front as seniors sa mga bata, to set us as role models din kung paano sila in the future din, if ever,” added Jurado.
#WATCH: NO DWELLING 🐯
Regine Jurado and Angge Poyos made sure not to let their emotions get the best of them amid their losses in #UAAPSeason88 🏐#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/dT85K1HOwx
📹 @ErnestTuazon /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/DBYILhmaZY
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 11, 2026
