University of Santo Tomas proved that past results do not matter in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball stepladder.
The Golden Tigresses dominated elimination round tormentors Adamson University Lady Falcons, 25-16, 25-18, 25-19, to advance to the next phase of the stepladder on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
It was a reversal of fortunes this postseason after Adamson swept UST in the eliminations, 27-25, 25-22, 25-12 in the first round and 27-25, 25-20, 26-24 in the second round.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Credit sa players namin. Grabe ‘yung effort na ginawa. Actually, hindi naman todo-todo ‘yung training pero mas inaral lang kung ano ‘yung tamang galaw, mas nagkaroon ng communication, saka ‘yung effort na mag-all-out sa game,” said UST head coach Shaq Delos Santos.
UST has now won two do-or-die games this season after eliminating Far Eastern University in the playoff for the last semifinal spot last Saturday, 16-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-16.
The Golden Tigresses now look to make it three in a row when they face second-ranked National University in the next phase of the stepladder on Saturday, 3 p.m., still at the Big Dome, with a Finals ticket at stake. UST is 0-2 against the defending two-time champions in the eliminations.
La Salle is waiting in the wings after completing a 14-0 elimination round sweep. The best-of-three championship series is set for May 6.
“Although hindi namin inexpect na ganito kabilis ‘yung laro, sobrang happy lang talaga dahil tiniyaga talaga ng lahat, especially coaches and teammates ko. Sobrang saya lang, hindi ko pa rin alam kung totoo ba ito dahil kagabi, nakatulog na ko kakadasal kay Lordpaulit-ulit na sana ibigay ito sa amin,” said captain-libero Detdet Pepito, who anchored UST’s defense with 16 excellent digs on 23 attempts and nine excellent receptions, while also adding four excellent sets.
The Golden Tigresses took full control of the match after turning a 12-13 deficit into a 20-12 advantage, as Angge Poyos and Regina Jurado combined for eight straight points en route to a 25-18 second-set win.
A similar scenario unfolded in the third set, with Adamson ahead 13-12 before Jurado and Avril Bron, along with two errors from Lady Falcons’ top scorers Shaina Nitura and Frances Mordi, powered a 17-13 UST lead that held until the end for the straight-sets win in 82 minutes.
Poyos led UST with 17 points, eight digs, and seven receptions, while the supporting cast delivered key contributions.
Jurado finished with 13 points and 14 excellent digs on 25 attempts, while Jonna Perdido added 10 points, 10 digs, and seven receptions.
Bron also chipped in seven points, including five in the third set.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Presumptive MVP Nitura was held in check, finishing with 13 points on a 12-of-46 attacking clip, alongside 11 excellent receptions and seven digs.
Mordi was likewise limited to 11 points on 10-of-41 attacks, while Third Tuddao was Adamson’s next highest scorer with just four points.
Adamson, which will retain its core next season, ended the campaign in fourth place in its return to the Final Four after a three-year absence.
