MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses dethroned College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers with a 25-23, 25-15, 25-20 victory in Game 2 of the V-League women’s collegiate challenge semifinals at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Jonna Perdido was named Player of the Game after finishing with a double-double of 11 points and 11 excellent receptions as the Golden Tigresses swept the best-of-three semifinal series, 2-0.
Angeline Poyos led the way with 16 points, including 14 attacks, Regine Jurado contributed 12 markers and nine excellent digs, while Em Banagua also delivered 11 points for UST.
“Nag-stick lang doon sa sistema. Nag-stick sa sistema, malinis na ‘yung galaw, ‘yung maturity little by little, nagagawan na nang paraan,” said UST head coach Emilio “Kungfu” Reyes.
“’Yung harmony ng team nandoon, ‘yung mga different tasks nila nafu-fulfill so magandang indication kung bakit nga kami nasa finals. Nagagawan namin ng paraan every after error,” he added.
Rhea Mae Densing paced the dethroned champions Lady Blazers with 12 points, while Wielyn Estoque added 11 markers and seven excellent digs.
Meanwhile, Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws made their way back to the finals after sweeping University of the East Lady Warriors in Game 2 of the semifinals, 25-20, 25-19, 25-21.
The Lady Tamaraws controlled the first two sets but nearly faltered in the third frame after seeing their 16-8 advantage cut to 16-18 by a furious Lady Warriors’ run behind Nahomie Mpata, Casiey Dongallo, and Riza Nogales.
However, Lady Tamaraws’ Lovely Lopez delivered timely conversions to stretch their advantage to 21-16 before they later completed the victory with consecutive connections.
Chenie Tagaod led the Lady Tamaraws’ offense with 18 points and 11 excellent digs, while Faida Bakanke and Jean Asis each added nine points, with Jean Asis delivering eight kills./PN
