University of Santo Tomas overcame Shaina Nitura’s explosive 36-point performance, securing a thrilling 25-18, 23-25, 22-25, 27-25, 15-8 come-from-behind victory over Adamson University.
The win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Golden Tigresses in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Relying on the combined 47-point effort from Angge Poyos and Reg Jurado, UST regained their winning form, improving their record to 6-4. They are now tied with the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws for a share of third place.
This victory also extended UST’s dominance over Adamson, following a four-set win in their first-round meeting on March 1.
The Golden Tigresses have now won four consecutive matches against the Lady Falcons, dating back to a first-round victory in Season 86.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Thankful kami kasi hindi naging apat yung losing streak. Yung grit ng mga bagets namin, mostly yung emotions na nagddictate sa amin ‘eh. May mga ibang factors kaya naging ganon yung resulta ng galaw namin, and luckily nung sa bandang dulo ng fourth set, nagstart na sila maka-recover,” said UST head coach Kungfu Reyes.
“Yung high and lows nung game kanina, especially nung mga rallies, hindi sila tumigil hangga’t makuha namin yung fourth set. That’s the time na sinabi nga namin sa kanila na ito na ‘yon, huwag na bitawan, at kailangan na ipanalo yung game,” he added.
The Tigresses averted their first four-match losing skid since 2018, the year the España-based side last missed the Final Four.
Fueled by a thrilling fourth-set victory, which saw three straight attacks from Jurado to force a deciding fifth set, UST carried the momentum into the final frame.
The Golden Tigresses stormed out to a 9-4 lead in the fifth set, with two aces from Cassie Carballo, a crosscourt hit from Poyos, three consecutive attacks from Jurado, an attack error from Nitura, and an offspeed hit from Mabeth Hilongo.
Adamson briefly closed the gap to 9-6, but UST’s strong start proved insurmountable. Hilongo added a backrow hit, Poyos followed with another attack, and Pia Abbu scored with an off-the-block hit. A block from Jurado then sealed the win for UST in two hours and 28 minutes.
“Masaya ako kasi kinailangan talaga namin yung win na ito, pampaboost din ng confidence galing sa three straight losses namin. Very grateful na pinagtiyagaan and kahit down kami ng isang set, napanalo pa rin naman,” said Jurado.
Poyos powered the Golden Tigresses with 27 points on 25 attacks, one block, and one ace, along with 15 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs. Jurado kept UST afloat in the last two frames, finishing with 20 points on 15 attacks, four blocks, and one ace, along with 18 excellent digs.
Hilongo added seven points and 11 excellent receptions, while in her first start as a full-fledged middle blocker, Marga Altea contributed seven points on four attacks, two aces, and one block. Abbu chipped in six points.
Cassie Carballo orchestrated the Golden Tigresses’ offense with 25 excellent sets, adding four points on three aces and one attack. Team captain Detdet Pepito provided 15 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions.
UST will look to continue their winning streak when they clash against Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday, April 5, at the same venue.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Nitura again showed out with 36-point performance, which included 32 attacks, three blocks, and one ace, along with 11 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions — her third 30-point performance of Season 87.
Still, the Lady Falcons faltered, dropping to a 3-7 record and remaining in seventh place in the eight-team field.
Nitura came two points shy of tying the UAAP women’s volleyball scoring record she set in a five-set defeat to the University of the Philippines on March 16.
Nigerian wing spiker Frances Mordi provided ample support with 21 points on 20 attacks and one block, along with 19 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs.
No other Lady Falcon scored in double digits.
Rookie setter Fhei Sagaysay dished out 22 excellent sets in the losing effort, while Juris Manuel tallied 15 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs.
Adamson will look to rediscover their winning form when they face defending champion National University on Sunday, April 6, also at the Cubao venue.
#WATCH: Kungfu Reyes is proud of how the UST Golden Tigresses showed grit and determination when their backs were against the wall, overcoming Shaina Nitura and Adamson to secure the win
@justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/Dmd1H86g4a
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 2, 2025
