Coming into the UAAP Season 88 collegiate women’s volleyball tournament with high expectations, the University of Santo Tomas started slow, dropping its first two games.
The Golden Tigresses fell in their opener to defending champion NU Lady Bulldogs in four sets, then were swept by the DLSU Lady Spikers.
UST finally notched its first win under head coach Shaq Delos Santos on Wednesday, defeating Ateneo de Manila University, 26-24, 25-18, 25-21, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Now, the Golden Tigresses aim to build momentum — and they’ll have the advantage of familiar surroundings this Saturday.
The UAAP will hold its games at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, the Golden Tigresses’ home court. UST will face University of the East, with the men’s teams battling at 9:00 AM, followed by the women’s squads.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Excited lang kasi home court and doon kami nagti-training palagi. So ayun, expect namin na maraming susupport lalo na sa UST community,” said outside spiker Angge Poyos.
For Delos Santos, the expected huge home crowd presents a challenge for the team to step up and impress.
Poyos has been a consistent presence for the Golden Tigresses even in their losses, unleashing 21 points against the Blue Eagles. Regina Jurado, after quiet outings in the first two games, also found her rhythm with 12 points and 12 excellent digs.
Meanwhile, Marga Altea came alive with eight points.
“Siyempre, excited dahil home court and I’m sure maraming susuporta. Siguro mas doblehin o triplehin namin kung ano yung naging effort namin kanina, and every crucial talaga yung preparation,” said Delos Santos, who led UST to its last championship in the division back in Season 72 in 2010.
“Siguro mas excited kami maglaro, siyempre, nandoon kami sa every day namin na court na ginagamit, so hopefully, mas maging confident kami sa lahat ng bagay.”
UST will also enjoy the comfort of knowing every inch of their home arena. As Jurado joked, the court temperature won’t be a problem thanks to the Pavilion’s air conditioning.
“Excited din po kasi home court and for sure di na mag-cramps si Ate Det, malamig doon,” Jurado said, giggling.
#WATCH: HOMECOURT 🐯
Shaq delos Santos and the UST Golden Tigresses are excited to defend Q-Pav on Saturday 🏐#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/DpCDv7Ljxs
📹 @justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times #UAAPSeason88 pic.twitter.com/Z79NyY1fAR
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) February 25, 2026
