Angge Poyos and Shaina Nitura put on a show in their first collegiate showdown, but it was Poyos and University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses who emerged victorious, fending off Adamson University’s late rally for a 25-21, 20-25, 25-13, 27-25 win to gain a share of second in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Poyos, the UAAP Season 86 Rookie of the Year, powered UST with a team-high 21 points, adding eight receptions and five digs to lead the Tigresses to their third straight victory.
Meanwhile, Nitura, who set the division’s rookie scoring record with 33 points in Adamson’s season opener, once again carried the Lady Falcons with 28 points on 26 attacks and two aces, while also recording 14 digs and 12 receptions.
UST’s win propelled them to a 3-1 record, securing solo second place in the standings after recovering from their opening loss to FEU. They have since defeated the University of the East, De La Salle University, and now Adamson.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Very satisfied naman even if nag-four sets kami kasi nag-stick din sa game plan at inilaban ulit ng mga bata, pinusuan ulit ng mga bata ‘yung game,” said UST deputy coach Yani Fernandez.
UST seemed poised for a comfortable win after Poyos’ down-the-line spike put them ahead 23-18 in the fourth set. However, Adamson refused to back down.
With Nitura and Frances Mordi leading the charge and capitalizing on UST’s errors, the Lady Falcons clawed their way back to within one, 22-23.
Poyos halted Adamson’s surge with an off-the-block kill to bring UST to match point, but Nitura and Mordi delivered back-to-back points to force an extended set.
After both teams exchanged errors, Jurado came up clutch with a decisive block on Mordi, giving UST the upper hand. On the next play, Nitura’s backrow attack failed to clear the net, sealing the hard-fought win for the Golden Tigresses after two hours and 17 minutes.
Lefty opposite hitter Regina Jurado provided ample support with 17 points built on 13 attacks, three blocks, and an ace, while also tallying seven digs. Pia Abbu chipped in 10 points.
“Sobrang hirap nilang kalaban actually kasi parang same kami ng play, hindi rin naman sila ganon kalalaki. Thankful din sa teammates ko kasi nag-stick kami sa plan namin this game so naging successful naman pero malayo pa,” said UST captain Detdet Pepito, who anchored the Tigresses’ floor defense with 13 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions.
Mordi added 13 points for Adamson, while libero Juris Manuel showcased her defensive prowess with 14 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The Golden Tigresses will look to extend their winning streak to four when they take on University of the Philippines on Wednesday, while the Lady Falcons aim to bounce back against FEU next Saturday, both at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
#WATCH: Detdet Pepito, Reg Jurado, and Pia Abbu remain hungry for more as UST pushes for consistency despite their solid 3-1 start in the #UAAPSeason87 Women's Volleyball Tournament 🏐
📹 @justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/v4oQs7T3in
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 1, 2025
