University of Santo Tomas moved to solo third place in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament after sweeping Ateneo de Manila University, 25-15, 26-24, 26-24, on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Golden Tigresses broke their tie with the idle Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, improving their record to 7-4. They now hold third place, with second-ranked De La Salle Lady Spikers within reach at 7-3.
This win marked UST’s second straight-sets victory in the tournament, with their first also coming against Ateneo, a 25-20, 25-23, 25-21 decision in the first round. The Tigresses survived tight second and third sets in both encounters.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Well, happy kami na na-sustain namin yung ganoong situation. So, yung maturity, judgment ng mga player is at least every game na nagta-translate kung ano yung gusto nilang mangyari towards the endgame,” said UST head coach Kungfu Reyes.
Ateneo was on the verge of tying the game in the second set, leading 24-22, but UST mounted a comeback that began with a service error from Alex Montoro.
The 6-foot Marga Altea, now shifted back to middle blocker, scored back-to-back hits. Then Angge Poyos completed the comeback with a crosscourt spike, sealing the set at 26-24 for UST.
In the third set, Ateneo again attempted a late rally but fell short. AC Miner and Zey Pacia came up with two straight points to tie it at 24-all, but Poyos put the Golden Tigresses back in the lead with a powerful crosscourt shot.
Cassie Carballo then finished the job with a solid block on Montoro, securing the UST win in one hour and 36 minutes.
“Siyempre masaya po kasi pinagte-trainingan ko rin naman po ‘to. Lumalabas lang po yung mga efforts ko po sa laro,” said Altea, who contributed 10 points with seven attacks and three blocks.
Poyos led UST with 16 points, while Regina Jurado added 10 points and eight digs. Maribeth Hilongo also performed well with eight points and 11 receptions. Pia Abbu finished with five points, while Carballo contributed five points and 17 excellent sets.
UST, winners of two straight games, will next face the winless University of the East next Saturday at the Big Dome.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Ateneo dropped to 4-7, suffering its second consecutive loss, but still has a chance to make the Final Four with three games remaining.
Miner led the Blue Eagles with 13 points, while Lyann De Guzman added 12 points and seven receptions.
Ateneo will try to bounce back on Wednesday when they face FEU at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
