The UST Golden Tigresses bounced back from a slow start to turn back the FEU Lady Tamaraws, 16-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-16, and secure a spot in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Tournament stepladder at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
After dropping the opening set, UST quickly regrouped and took control of the match, highlighted by a dominant closing stretch in the fourth set. With a slim 12-10 lead, Angge Poyos took over, scoring 6 points in a decisive 9-2 run to seal the victory.
“Sobrang proud sa team and happy din kasi alam naman nating lahat ‘yung pinagdaanan namin na at least, nakaka-survive kami. And I’m sure mas magiging eager ‘yung team pagdating ng stepladder,” said Golden Tigresses head coach Shaq Delos Santos.
Poyos Shows Out for UST
Poyos led UST with 26 points built on 22 attacks and 4 blocks. Reg Jurado added 11 points and 12 excellent digs, while Xyza Gula chipped in 9 points, 11 excellent digs, and 7 excellent receptions.
Setter Cassie Carballo orchestrated the offense with 21 excellent sets, while team captain Detdet Pepito anchored the floor defense with 18 excellent digs and 15 excellent receptions.
For the Lady Tamaraws, Gerzel Petallo led the way with 14 points and 14 excellent receptions, while Clarisse Loresco added 11 points. Faida Bakanke and Jazlyn Ellarina chipped in 9 points apiece.
UST will next face the Adamson Lady Falcons in the stepladder quarterfinals on Wednesday, April 29, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Golden Tigresses have yet to win a match against Adamson this season.
