MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses relied on Angeline Poyos’ career-game to beat Adamson University Lady Falcons, 22-25, 25-20, 26-24, 25-20, in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Boholana hitter exploded for a UAAP rookie record of 31 points, comprising 27 attacks, three service aces, and one block, as the Golden Tigresses secured their fourth consecutive semifinal stint with a league-leading 9-1 win-loss slate.
Regina Jurado and Jonna Perdido contributed 12 markers apiece, while Bianca Plaza ended with seven markers for UST, which bounced back from their first loss of the season to the National University Lady Bulldogs.
After suffering a first-set meltdown, the Golden Tigresses bounced back in the second frame to secure a 25-20 victory before pulling off a tight 26-24 third-set escape over the Lady Falcons.
The Golden Tigresses surged to a 21-15 edge in the fourth set with Poyos connecting three straight service aces, but the Lady Falcons made their last push at 20-24 before UST ended the match with a connection from Mae Coronado.
“Well prepared naman ‘yung team, ‘yun nga may kasamang swerte, at nakuha namin ‘yung inaasam namin na mapasama sa Final Four, and kami ang unang nakapasok this time,” said Golden Tigresses head coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes.
Barbie Jamili tied her career-high of 20 points to lead the Lady Falcons, while Ishie Lalongisip and Ayesha Juegos contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively, as they dropped to 2-7.
Meanwhile, Mhicaela Belen sustained her stellar all-around performance as National University Lady Bulldogs manhandled University of the East Lady Warriors, 25-14, 25-14, 25-12.
The former UAAP Rookie of the Year-MVP tallied a triple-double of 13 points, 10 excellent receptions, and 10 excellent digs as the Lady Bulldogs improved to 8-2 in the standings.
Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws (5-4), on the other hand, renewed their dominance over Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles (3-7) with a 19-25, 25-20, 25-20, 25-22 triumph. Chenie Tagaod and Faida Bakanke tallied 16 each for FEU./PN
