University of Santo Tomas maintained its perfect run by claiming Game 1 of the best-of-three semifinals series in the 2024 V-League Collegiate Challenge Women’s Division.
The Golden Tigresses swept the College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers, 25-20, 25-16, 25-13, on Wednesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
UST extended its winning streak to seven games, having previously overcome the defending champions in a five-set thriller during the elimination rounds on August 25, with scores of 25-16, 19-25, 14-25, 25-22, and 15-12.
The Golden Tigresses’ offense was powered by wingers Ange Poyos, Regine Jurado, and the returning Jonna Perdido, who played a crucial role in securing the victory.
In the decisive third set, UST unleashed a flurry of 17 kills compared to the Lady Blazers’ seven, effectively sealing the match.
Assistant coach Yani Fernandez credited the Tigresses’ success to their rigorous preparation for this rematch against CSB.
“Pinaghandaan talaga namin ng maigi ‘tong Benilde kasi last time, umabot kami sa decision, sa fifth set. So, ‘yung mga lapses namin that time, pinolish talaga namin,” said Fernandez, who stood in for Kungfu Reyes as he at the UAAP High School match between the Junior Golden Tigresses and Adamson University Baby Falcons.
“Lahat ng tendencies ni Benilde, inaral namin, pinag-aralan, dinemo, ni-run through, kaya maganda naman talaga ‘yung in-expect naming kalalabasan ng game,” he added.
Despite still recovering from a foot injury, Perdido led UST from the outset, finishing with 13 points, including 11 from attacks.
Poyos contributed 14 points, comprised of 10 spikes, two blocks, and two aces.
Jurado added another 12 points, highlighting the effectiveness of setter Cassie Carballo, who provided 15 excellent sets along with four points of her own.
UST is now poised to advance to the V-League Finals, with their next opportunity to clinch a spot coming up against the defending champion CSB on Sunday at 12:00 PM at the same venue.
For CSB, only Mary Grace Borromeo reached double digits in scoring with 10 points from nine kills and one block.
Zam Nolasco and Mycah Go were limited to eight and six points, respectively.
