University of Santo Tomas secured at least a playoff for the remaining Final Four spot in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament after a gritty 23-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-19 win over also-ran University of the Philippines on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Golden Tigresses improved to an 8-5 record, staying one game ahead of the FEU Lady Tamaraws at 7-6 heading into the final play date of the elimination round.
This sets up a crucial showdown for UST against National University on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where a win would secure a Final Four berth without complications. FEU, meanwhile, will also face Ateneo de Manila University on the same day.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Alam naman natin na super importante ito for our campaign for the Final Four. Kumbaga, ito yung band-aid pansamantala sa standings. Sabi nga namin sa mga bata, bakit hindi pa natin i-grab itong opportunity na ito para maka-one step ahead tayo doon sa FEU,” said Golden Tigresses deputy Yani Fernandez.
Already holding a 2-1 set advantage, UST refused to let the opportunity slip away.
Lianne Penuliar, Angge Poyos, and Regina Jurado carried the Golden Tigresses down the stretch, powering a decisive 19-12 cushion en route to the win in two hours and seven minutes.
“Very crucial itong game na ito and ang mindset lang namin as a team ay ibigay lang ang best namin, na huwag na kaming magtira, 100-percent na ’yung ibuhos namin. Like wala nang pagduda sa sarili namin and trust lang sa teammates and sistema na meron kami,” said Poyos, who delivered 25 points, 11 excellent digs, and eight excellent receptions.
After carrying much of the load in last week’s loss to Adamson University (25-27, 20-25, 24-26), Poyos received ample support this time as Jurado added 17 points and Jonna Perdido contributed 13 points and nine receptions.
Rookie middle blockers Avril Bron and Penuliar also stepped up with eight points each, while Cassie Carballo orchestrated the offense with 29 excellent sets.
Libero Detdet Pepito anchored the defense with 18-of-30 excellent digs and 13-of-19 excellent receptions.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
UP, meanwhile, closed its campaign in sixth place with a 5-9 record, a step back from its 6-8 finish last season.
Graduating leaders Niña Ytang and Irah Jaboneta led the Fighting Maroons in their final outing. The three-time Best Middle Blocker tallied 19 points off 18-of-30 kills, while the outside hitter produced an all-around line of 16 points, 17 receptions, and 11 digs.
Jelai Gajero added 12 points and nine digs, while Bienne Bansil contributed 10 points built on five blocks.
Joan Monares, who was sidelined for most of the season due to a back injury, also sang her final “UP Naming Mahal” as a Fighting Maroon.
