MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses overcame a third set hiccup to beat University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 25-14, 25-13, 28-30, 25-15, in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Jonna Perdido equaled her career-best with 24 points, fueled by 22 attacks, one block, and a service ace, guiding the Golden Tigresses to their 10th win in 11 games and reclaiming the solo first place in the standings.
Regina Jurado tallied her season-high of 24 points, built on 21 attacks and three blocks; Xyza Gula finished with 12 markers; and Mae Coronado contributed nine points for UST.
The Golden Tigresses were without rookies Angeline Poyos (dehydration) and Mary Margareth Banagua (recovering from an undisclosed injury) in their game against the Fighting Maroons.
“Binigay lang namin kung ano ‘yung nararapat (na pahinga) kay Angge,” said UST head coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes. “Medyo dizzy kasi siya during (our Tuesday night) training.”
After failing to close out the Fighting Maroons in the third set, the Golden Tigresses were blazing in the fourth frame as they established a 19-11 lead behind connections by Jurado and Coronado.
The Fighting Maroons responded with two connections, but the Golden Tigresses went for the finisher with back-to-back hits from Jurado and connections from Gula and Coronado.
Nina Ytang led the way for the Fighting Maroons with 14 points on 12 attacks and two blocks, while Stephanie Bustrillo contributed 10 markers as they dropped to a 1-10 win-loss slate.
Meanwhile, National University Lady Bulldogs (9-2) pushed Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles (3-8) to the brink of elimination with a 25-22, 25-16, 25-15 victory.
Alyssa Solomon spearheaded the attack with 23 points, on 19 attacks and four service aces, while Evangeline Alinsug contributed 15 markers for the streaking Lady Bulldogs./PN
