History repeated itself for the University of Santo Tomas.
Just like they did five years ago, the second-seeded Golden Tigresses dethroned the third-ranked De La Salle University Lady Spikers in a five-set showdown, 25-20, 16-25, 25-20, 19-25, 15-7.
They secured the first seat in the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Finals, witnessed by 19,505 fans inside the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
This marks UST’s first appearance in the championship series since Season 81 when they eventually settled for silver against Ateneo de Manila University.
To reach the Finals, the Golden Tigresses defeated the Lady Spikers in five sets on May 5, 2019, 25-19, 25-19, 20-25, 23-25, 15-10.
UST will await the winner between National University and Far Eastern University.
(C) Nicks Hernandez/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“Siyempre masaya kasi ito ulit kami, nandito na naman at pumasok ulit sa Finals,” said Golden Tigresses head coach Kungfu Reyes. “Gaya ng sinabi ko last game sa kanila, hindi mo pwedeng ipagkibit-balikat ang La Salle tulad ng napakalaking adjustment na ginawa nilang outside spiker si Laput.
“Hirap na hirap kami sa totoo lang. Nakapag-adjust naman sa awa ng Diyos. Nakuha namin ang panalo,” added the long-time UST mentor.
De La Salle had the motivation to extend it to a do-or-die series after capturing the fourth set, 25-19.
However, UST killed the Lady Spikers’ fire right away in the fifth.
Knotted at 3 in the deciding frame, Angge Poyos, Cassie Carballo, and Em Banagua put the Golden Tigresses out of reach with six straight points for a 9-3 advantage.
Although Shevana Laput and Amie Provido tried to fight back for De La Salle, Jonna Perdido countered their run. Then Carballo hit the final nail in the coffin with a service ace right in the middle of the Lady Spikers for the finals-sealing win in two hours and 52 minutes.
“Sobrang honored talaga ako maging captain ng ganitong promising team. Nagpapasalamat ako sa teammates ko kasi talagang tinrabaho namin every point, every day, every training,” said team captain Detdet Pepito, who had 18 digs and 16 excellent receptions in the thriller.
Rookie sensation Poyos delivered as expected with 28 points on 25 attacks, two aces, and a block, while Perdido provided the backup with 18 points to go with 12 receptions.
Carballo had 18 excellent sets as she also activated middle blockers Banagua and Bianca Plaza with eight and seven points, respectively. She also scored six of her own – none more important than her final service ace.
(C) Nicks Hernandez/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
Laput, the 6-foot-1 sophomore opposite hitter, led the Lady Spikers once more with 20 points.
Meanwhile, Thea Gagate left it all on the court in her final game in a La Salle jersey, logging 16 points including six blocks.
Angel Canino, who played in her second game after missing five matches, ended up with 14 points, 12 digs, and eight receptions. Jyne Soreño, who also missed some time, provided 11 points off the bench as well.
Julia Coronel, Maicah Larroza, and Jhay-ar Levina have also played their last game for the Lady Spikers.
