THE University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses continue their winning streak in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball, defeating the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons for the third time in a row.
Despite being plagued by injuries in the early stages of the season, UST made sure that their winning streak would continue, defeating UP in four sets, 25-11, 25-23, 23-25, 25-12, on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Following an opening-day loss, the Golden Tigresses have gone on a four-game winning streak, despite losing some players. The Fighting Maroons, meanwhile, continue to drop in the standings, with a 2-3 win-loss record.
The España-based club now possesses a 4-1 card, knocking outside the doors of their Season 86 Finals foe, the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, who are the only team to have a spotless 4-0 record.
UST Stays Hot
The Golden Tigresses dominated the first two sets, easily putting the Fighting Maroons behind 2-0, as the Diliman squad continues to find their rhythm.
However, in the third set, things quickly changed for both teams. UST trailed by as much as 17-23 in the third set. They attempted a comeback, but were denied by UP’s Irah Jaboneta.
The Golden Tigresses approached the fourth set with a different energy, led by their star player Angge Poyos, Marga Altea, and Bianca Plaza. UST built a 16-5 lead and cruised to victory.
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
Without a doubt, Reg Jurado and Poyos once again led UST with 22 and 21 points, respectively. Meanwhile, rookie Altea scored nine points after switching from middle blocker to wing spiker.
Along with them are Cassie Carballo, who also had a good performance with 21 excellent sets and seven points, and Detdet Pepito, who anchored them with 22 excellent digs and ten excellent receptions.
Rookie Kianne Olango led the way for UP with 18 points, while Joan Monares and Irah Jaboneta added 13 and eight points, respectively, to provide the spark for the Diliman-based squad.
Calm and Composed
While UST may be shorthanded in their first five games, their finals experience gives them an advantage over other teams. However, some errors can still be costly due to a lack of personnel.
“Regarding sa third set, talagang ‘yung errors sobrang dami and sumabay yung players namin sa pace ng play ng UP,” said UST assistant coach Yani Fernandez during the postgame press conference.
“Nung pagdating ng fourth, sabi namin hindi tayo pwedeng maging ganito, kailangan reset and regroup tayo. Kaya naging maganda ang resulta,” the coach went on to share.
In addition to scoring, Jurado contributed to the coaches’ efforts to remind her teammates. She emphasized the importance of their team remaining calm and composed in the face of adversity.
“Niremind ko lang po ang team namin na maging calm lang kasi kapag sinasabayan yung kalaban, doon kami nagkakagulo. Good thing nung fourth set na-apply namin ‘yun,” said Jurado.
Nonetheless, both teams will return to action on Sunday, with UST looking to extend their winning streak against the Ateneo Blue Eagles at 3:00 p.m., and UP facing the NU Lady Bulldogs at 1:00 p.m. at the same venue.
