University of Santo Tomas shook off a third frame setback with a commanding fourth to finish University of the Philippines, 25-11, 25-23, 23-25, 25-12, and extend its winning run to four matches in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
The Golden Tirgesses solidified their hold of the second seed with a 4-1 record, just behind the undefeated National University Lady Bulldogs (4-0).
After dropping their season opener to Far Eastern University, UST won four in a row and was able to recover its bearings after UP stole the third set.
“Regarding sa third set, talagang ‘yung errors sobrang dami and sumabay ‘yung players namin sa pace ng play ng UP. Nung pagdating ng fourth, sabi namin hindi tayo pwedeng maging ganito, kailangan reset and regroup tayo. Kaya naging maganda ang resulta,” said UST assistant coach Yani Fernandez.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The Golden Tigresses’ comeback attempt from down 17-23 in the third frame fell short after Irah Jaboneta’s down-the-line hit gave it to the Fighting Maroons, 25-23.
That led UST to enter the fourth period with renewed sense of urgency.
Led by Angge Poyos, Marga Altea, and Bianca Plaza, UST established a 16-5 advantage in the fourth en route to the win in two hours and five minutes.
“Niremind ko lang po ang team namin na maging calm lang kasi kapag sinasabayan yung kalaban, doon kami nagkakagulo. Good thing nung fourth set na-apply namin ‘yun,” said Regina Jurado, who unleashed a game-best 22 points along with eight digs.
Poyos added 21 points, while rookie Altea, who was converted from middle blocker to a wing spiker, got nine points on four spikes, three aces, and two blocks.
Cassie Carballo also shone with 21 excellent sets while scoring seven points herself. Detdet Pepito impressed with 22 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The Fighting Maroons, on the other hand, failed to stop their slide, receiving their third consecutive defeat for a 2-3 record at sixth.
UP played without Season 86 2nd Best Middle Blocker Niña Ytang, who is feeling under the weather.
Rookie Kianne Olango led the way for the Fighting Maroons with 18 points on 14 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, while Joan Monares chipped in 13 points.
Both teams will be back on Sunday, still at the bayside Pasay venue.
UST will face Ateneo de Manila University in the 3:00 PM main game, while UP will battle NU at 1:00 PM.
