University of Santo Tomas drew courage from its home crowd to recover from a third-set slip, downing Far Eastern University, 25-17, 25-17, 18-25, 25-17, and tightening the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Final Four race on Sunday at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Golden Tigresses’ comeback victory created a three-way tie for third to fifth places with the Lady Tamaraws and the Adamson Lady Falcons, all standing at 6-4.
“The complications of the standings, malaking bagay para sa amin itong panalong ito. Ito yung band-aid solution namin sa standing sa ngayon. Lagi lang namin sinasabi sa players na move forward lang kasi wala nang magagawa sa past results,” said UST deputy Yani Fernandez.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
UST also swept the Lady Tamaraws in their elimination round head-to-head for the first time since Season 85 (2023).
In the third set, UST led 12-9 but then committed four straight errors, allowing Faida Bakanke and Alyzza Devosora to convert three consecutive points and completely turn the tide in FEU’s favor, 16-12, extending the match to a fourth frame.
The Golden Tigresses, however, remained unfazed. They built a 20-12 lead in the fourth set and maintained it until the finish line, sealing the victory in one hour and 58 minutes.
After being swept by FEU last season, UST returned the favor this time, also winning their first-round matchup, 25-17, 25-18, 25-20.
“Sobrang saya kasi nakuha namin yung panalo. Motivated kami coming into this game. Hindi naging madali pero nagtulungan kami para makuha ‘yung game,” said Poyos, who tallied 18 points, seven digs, and five receptions.
Regina Jurado added 16 points and six digs, while Jonna Perdido produced 10 points, 11 receptions, and four digs. Avril Bron contributed 10 points on six attacks and four blocks, and Detdet Pepito recorded 21 excellent digs and six receptions.
UST will aim for a second straight win on Easter Sunday against University of the East, still at their home arena.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Bakanke led FEU with 13 points, followed by Lovely Lopez and Devosora with 11 and seven points, respectively.
However, their spiking efficiency suffered, with Bakanke going 9-of-46, Lopez 9-of-40, and Devosora just 6-of-31.
After missing the chance to follow up last week’s win over defending champion National University via a reverse sweep, FEU will look to return to its winning ways on April 8 against unbeaten De La Salle University at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
