University of Santo Tomas relied on its offensive prowess to dispose of Far Eastern University in three sets, 25-23, 25-16, 25-13, securing their third straight win in the 2024 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge at Paco Arena in Manila on Sunday afternoon.
Em Banagua’s defense – along with the offensive firepower of Angeline Poyos and Regine Jurado – was crucial as the Golden Tigresses maintained their clean slate and stayed atop the standings in the pre-season tilt.
“Maganda yung galaw eh, na-minimize namin yung errors namin… Everything was right in place, parang ganoon yung nangyari,” said UST head coach Kungfu Reyes.
Poyos and Jurado poured in 14 and 11 points, respectively, while Banagua tallied eight points built on four blocks, three attacks, and an ace.
Carrying over their momentum from a dominant showing in the second set, the Golden Tigresses led 20-6 in the third set, propelled by four consecutive hits from Kyla Cordora.
After zooming to an 8-0 start in the second set, UST led by as much as 10, 18-8, after an off-the-block attack by Jonna Perdid.
While FEU started to come alive late in the set, a down-the-line hit and an into-the-block attack from reigning UAAP Rookie of the Year Angge Poyos propelled the Golden Tigresses to a two-set-to-none lead.
A back-and-forth affair in the opening set went the way of UST thanks to clutch offensive contributions from Jurado and Perdido.
“Nung first set, ang ganda, everybody’s game nung first set. Luckily, kami yung tumama sa dulo kasi nga tumama yung challenge namin, so malaking turn of events ‘yon,” Reyes added.
No Lady Tamaraw scored in double figures, with Gerzel Petallo chipping in eight points and Jean Asis and Jazlyn Ellarina contributing seven points each in the loss.
(C) V-League Images
Meanwhile, defending champion College of Saint Benilde snapped a two-game losing streak with a commanding 25-13, 25-22, 25-21 victory over the University of the Philippines.
Wielyn Estoque led the charge with 14 points, including 11 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, while Zamantha Nolasco provided strong support with 11 points, highlighted by eight kills and a game-high three blocks.
Middle blocker Kassandra Doering led UP with 12 points on 10 attacks and two blocks, but her efforts weren’t enough to prevent her team from slipping to a 2-2 record.
