University of Santo Tomas shook off a sluggish start and swept Ateneo de Manila University, 25-20, 25-23, 25-21, to extend its winning streak in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Golden Tigresses continued their resurgence from an opening-day loss to Far Eastern University, improving to 5-1 and securing solo second place behind defending champion National University.
UST and NU will meet in a highly-anticipated rematch of last season’s Finals next Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Thankful kami, first time namin maka-straight set. Ipa-polish pa namin ‘yung mga skills kasi nagkakaroon ng doubt at confusion sa game namin, especially sa receiving formation, kaya kailangan naming itama at… Kailangan committed sila sa lahat ng gagawin nila,” said Golden Tigresses assistant coach Yani Fernandez after the one-hour, 34-minute match.
Ateneo came out firing, racing to a 10-4 lead in the opening set, but UST quickly turned things around after a timeout by head coach Kungfu Reyes.
Fueled by Angge Poyos, Regina Jurado, and Pia Abbu, the Golden Tigresses mounted a dominant 21-10 run to clinch the first frame, 25-20.
UST maintained control the rest of the way, with Poyos leading the charge with 19 points. Jurado backed her up with 14 points, including 12 attacks and two blocks.
“All thanks po sa coaches namin na grabe po ‘yung tiyaga sa amin sa training. Tinututukan po kami individually at per department sa skills. Sa kanila po talaga ang puri sa performance namin ngayon,” said Abbu, who delivered a career-best 13 points, highlighted by eight spikes and a team-high five blocks.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Already without wing spikers Jlo Delos Santos and Geezel Tsunashima due to season-ending injuries, Ateneo suffered another blow when outside hitter Sobe Buena went down with an apparent right leg injury in the first set.
Buena landed awkwardly after a spike attempt and had to be stretchered off the court.
The Blue Eagles dropped to 1-4, falling to seventh place in the standings.
AC Miner led Ateneo with 13 points, while Lyann de Guzman added 11 points, five receptions, and four digs.
Ateneo will try to bounce back on Wednesday against De La Salle University at the same venue.
