University of Santo Tomas rediscovered its confidence when it mattered most, eking out a thrilling 25-12, 22-25, 13-25, 25-23, 15-13 victory over De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Golden Tigresses secured their second straight win, improving to a 2-1 record and joining the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons and the Adamson University Lady Falcons in second place.
It also marked UST’s fourth consecutive win over La Salle, dating back to last season when the Tigresses swept all three of their encounters, including the Final Four.
The match delivered another epic showdown between two of the league’s most storied programs, electrifying the 6,539 fans in attendance.
“What a great match. Credits din sa La Salle for playing well din,” said UST deputy coach Yani Fernandez.
“Sa game naman, talagang pagdating ng fifth set, sabi nga namin, talagang ano lang… Kung sino talagang may gustong manalo, siya yung makakakamit ng panalo.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
With the fourth set tied at 23-all, Angge Poyos and Regina Jurado came up clutch, delivering back-to-back hits to send the match into a deciding fifth frame.
UST then took a 13-11 advantage in the final set after an attack error by Angel Canino and a crucial Marga Altea dump off an over-received ball. However, La Salle’s Shevana Laput responded with a drop shot to trim the deficit.
Jurado continued to shine, scoring off a well-placed combination attack to put UST at match point, 14-12.
La Salle had a lifeline when Bianca Plaza’s serve sailed long, but an error on the next play sealed their fate.
However, libero Pia Rodriguez was called for a double contact violation while attempting to lift the ball, handing UST the hard-fought victory after two hours and 31 minutes of play.
The Golden Tigresses started strong, dominating the opening set 25-12 and building an 18-12 lead in the second. But La Salle stormed back with a 13-4 rally to steal the frame, leveling the match at one set apiece.
Riding on that momentum, the Lady Spikers overwhelmed UST in the third, cruising to a 25-13 win and moving within a set of victory.
“Sa game na ito, talagang ipinakita lang talaga namin kung ano kami, and yung composure namin sa court, yun talaga ang nagdala, saka yung communication,” said Poyos, who erupted for 28 points on 24 attacks, three blocks, and an ace, while also contributing 16 digs.
“Nawala man kami nung second set, pero bumalik lang kami sa sistema at nagtiwala lang kami sa isa’t isa.”
Jurado backed her up with 17 points, while Altea added 10 markers.
Two-time Best Libero Detdet Pepito anchored the defense with 24 excellent digs and 16 excellent receptions. Reigning Best Setter Cassie Carballo orchestrated UST’s offense with 22 excellent sets and two points.
The Tigresses will aim for their third straight win on Saturday against Adamson, once again at MOA Arena.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
La Salle, now 1-2, finds itself in unfamiliar territory, marking its worst start to a season since Season 68 (2006). The Lady Spikers are currently in a tie with Far Eastern University and Ateneo de Manila University for fifth place.
Despite the loss, Canino led the way for La Salle with 25 points on 21 attacks, three aces, and a block, while also tallying 17 excellent digs and 16 excellent receptions.
The Lady Spikers will look to bounce back on Sunday when they take on UP, also at MOA Arena.
