University of Santo Tomas averted a second-set collapse before sweeping the also-ran University of the East, 25-21, 26-24, 25-20, to stay firmly in the thick of the tight UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Final Four race on Sunday afternoon at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
With their fifth win in six outings, the Golden Tigresses momentarily seized solo third place with a 7-4 win-loss record, pending the result of the clash between defending champions National University Lady Bulldogs (7-3) and the Adamson University Lady Falcons (6-4) later at 5 p.m.
Beyond the steady production of Angge Poyos and Reg Jurado, UST once again drew strength from its home crowd on Easter Sunday. The Golden Tigresses have now won all their matches at the Quadricentennial Pavilion in Season 88, including an elimination-round sweep of the Lady Warriors and a second-round victory over the FEU Lady Tamaraws last Palm Sunday.
“Obviously, hindi pa ito [yung top form]. Nakita natin na marami pang need ayusin, especially unang-una yung disiplina… Medyo nauulit siya, kaya disiplina, mental toughness, at emotional toughness. Lesson learned na kahit lamang ka, hindi ka puwedeng mag-relax. Kailangan tapusin talaga hanggang sa dulo,” Golden Tigresses assistant coach Lerma Giron said.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
UST appeared headed for a comfortable two-set advantage after building a commanding 24-15 lead in the second set, but UE saved all nine set points — capped by three Khy Cepada attacks and a Sofia Arasan block — to knot the frame at 24-all.
The Golden Tigresses, however, quickly regained control, fending off the Lady Warriors’ late rally behind a crucial service error by Shania Olmoguez and an Avril Bron block to secure a 2-0 set lead.
From there, UST stayed in the driver’s seat, racing to an early 13-10 advantage in the third set and never looking back. A 1-2 play by Cassie Carballo, a quick attack by Avril Bron, and Carballo’s game-winning ace sealed the straight-sets victory in one hour and 41 minutes.
UST now looks to address its tendency to squander big set leads as the elimination round reaches the homestretch, especially with a rematch against Adamson looming on Saturday. The Tigresses lost to the Lady Falcons in straight sets in the first round.
“Sabi nga ni Reg [Jurado], yung mental toughness and yung patience rin namin sa isa’t isa and sa sarili namin na pag nahahabol, na-te-tense kami ‘eh. Siguro yung pasensya and tiyaga na ginagawa namin every training, sana ma-apply namin,” Poyos said, who once again led UST with 17 points built on 14 attacks, two aces, and one block, along with nine excellent digs and six excellent receptions.
Reg Jurado added 11 points on nine attacks, one block, and one ace, along with nine excellent receptions, while Bron chipped in eight points on six attacks and two blocks.
Nigerian middle blocker Blessing Unekwe contributed six points, while Xyza Gula had five points, four excellent digs, and three excellent receptions.
Carballo orchestrated the offense with 17 excellent sets and added three points, while team captain Detdet Pepito tallied seven excellent digs and five excellent receptions.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Still winless in 11 games, UE continues its search for a breakthrough when it faces NU next Sunday, April 12, at the same UST venue.
Cepada, a former UST high school standout, led UE in the loss with 17 points on 15 attacks and two aces, along with seven excellent digs and two excellent receptions, while Bea Zamudio followed with 12 points, five excellent receptions, and four excellent digs.
