By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
University of Santo Tomas outlasted defending champion Adamson University in a thrilling five-set match, 24-26, 19-25, 25-19, 25-19, 15-13, to remain unbeaten in the UAAP Season 87 High School Girls’ Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday at Paco Arena in Manila.
This marked the first loss for the Baby Falcons since UAAP Season 85.
“Nakakatuwa kasi karamihan dito, ‘yung setter namin like si (Aneeza) Santos, rookie setter, libero (Chas Pepito) namin ganun din,” UST head coach Kungfu Reyes shared after the match that lasted for two hours and seven minutes.
“Siguro na-chambahan namin na kami ‘yung naka-snap ng winning streak nila,” he quipped.
Earlier in the day, Far Eastern University also notched its second win in as many games by overwhelming University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS), 25-15, 25-18, 25-16.
Both UST and FEU now hold undefeated records in the tournament.
The match between UST and Adamson was a fierce back-and-forth, especially in the fifth set, with neither team able to pull ahead by more than two points.
At 13-13, after both teams exchanged service errors, Kim Rubin stepped up and delivered back-to-back aces to seal the victory for UST.
Reyes also praised Adamson’s tenacity, noting the tough competition they faced.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Ang ganda ng grit ng team nila (Adamson), kita mo ‘yung talagang ‘into the zone’ ‘yung mga player nila regardless kung sino ipasok. It’s just a break of the game kasi lahat andun, walang mga easy point na nangyayari, iibahin ‘yung mga out-of-system, kaya nila gawan ng paraan,” he added, also noting that the Tigresses have a lot of work to do after committing 53 errors.
“Minsan nakakakuha pa sila ng puntos dun. Sa amin naman, nag-struggle kami doon, so talagang napalaking bagay [itong panalo] para sa mga bata.”
Aneeza Santos led the charge for UST with 13 points, including nine kills, two aces, and two blocks, while also dishing out seven excellent sets.
Avril Bron and Lianne Penuliar added 12 and 11 points, respectively.
On defense, Chas Pepito made a significant contribution with 20 digs, and Penuliar anchored the net defense with six of UST’s 13 blocks.
Rubin, who scored three of her six points from the service area, also contributed eight receptions.
Adamson’s team captain, Abby Segui, delivered a strong performance despite the loss. She led the Baby Falcons with 20 points, 16 of which came from attacks, while also adding three aces.
Setter Sofia Arasan orchestrated the offense with 16 excellent sets.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In FEU’s dominant win, Aleah Devosora shone with 12 points, including 10 attacks and two aces.
Meanwhile, Sheena Cafe contributed 11 points along with eight excellent sets and an impressive nine service aces – the aces matching Rubin’s effort last Monday.
The Junior Fighting Maroons fell to a 0-2 record after the defeat.
Janella Guarino was a lone bright spot for UPIS, scoring 12 points with 10 attacks and two service aces.
