Despite missing the services of super rookie Angge Poyos, University of Santo Tomas still took care of University of the Philippines, save for a third-set hiccup, 25-14, 25-13, 28-30, 25-15, in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
Lefty spikers Jonna Perdido and Regina Jurado made all the right decisions for the Golden Tigresses in the victory, regaining the top spot with a 10-1 record, half a game ahead of De La Salle University at 9-1.
Perdido and Jurado unleashed 24 points apiece, with the former also contributing eight digs and four excellent receptions.
“Ni-remind ko lang din talaga ‘yung team kung sino ‘yung pinanghuhugutan namin, kung para kanino itong kailangan namin ipanalo. Luckily, nagrespond naman po ng positive,” said UST captain Bernadett Pepito, who went 28-of-38 in digs along with 9-of-14 receptions.
After saving five set points, the Golden Tigresses ultimately fell in the third as Steph Bustrillo and Jewel Encarnacion secured a 30-28 win for the Fighting Maroons, extending the match.
But in the fourth, UST returned to its smashing ways, just as it did in the first and second frames, ending the game in two hours and two minutes.
Xyza Gula also contributed 12 points in the win, while Cassie Carballo provided 19 excellent sets and six points.
“Nag-step up lang po kami and tinrabaho ko lang po yung responsibilidad ko. Yung panalo ay para po kay Angge and kay Em (Banagua), yun yung naging motivation naming lahat,” said Perdido, who matched her career-high in points.
Poyos was not present at the venue as she was feeling under the weather. She had been the league’s leading scorer entering the day with 223 total points.
Rookie middle blocker Banagua also missed her second consecutive game as she continues her rehab from a knee injury.
UST will look to solidify its push for a twice-to-beat advantage when it clashes with Far Eastern University on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Fighting Maroons played without head coach Oliver Almadro and were handled by assistant coach Jarod Hubalde.
Niña Ytang spearheaded UP’s charge with 14 points, while Bustrillo added 10.
The Fighting Maroons fell to their fourth straight loss, sinking to 1-10. They will be back on Saturday against Adamson University.
