MANILA – University of Santo Tomas’ Golden Tigresses overcame a tough challenge from the University of the East’ Lady Warriors for a 28-26, 22-25, 25-23, 25-15 victory in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball on Saturday at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan.
Regina Jurado top-scored for the Golden Tigresses with 22 points, built on 18 attacks, two blocks, and two service aces, as they improved to a 1-1 win-loss slate in the standings.
Angeline Poyos added 21 markers on 14 attacks, four blocks, and three service aces, while rookie Margaret Altea contributed 10 markers, including nine attacks for the Golden Tigresses.
After tightly contested wins in the first and third sets, the Golden Tigresses started strong in the fourth frame behind early hits from Altea, Poyos, and Jurado for an 8-3 advantage.
The Lady Warriors rallied to within 8-10 before the Golden Tigresses pulled away with consecutive hits from Bianca Plaza, Jurado, and Poyos and unforced errors from UE to seal the win.
“Nakita namin in this game na madami pa din kaming lapses, ‘yun ang kailangan naming i-address, also ‘yung communication ng players inside the court kailangan pang ayusin,” said UST assistant coach Yani Fernandez after the game.
KC Cepada top-scored for the Lady Warriors with 20 points on 16 attacks and four service aces, while Nessa Bangayan and Beatrice Zamudio scored 12 and 11, respectively, as they dropped to 0-2.
Meanwhile, De La Salle University Lady Spikers pulled off a hard-fought 25-21, 26-24, 25-20 straight set win over the Adamson University Lady Falcons. They tied the Golden Tigresses with a 1-1 record.
Alleiah Malaluan led the way with 16 points, while Negrense Angel Canino and Shevana Laput contributed 15 and 10 markers, respectively, for the Lady Spikers.
Shaina Nitura, who scored a UAAP rookie record of 33 points against the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles last week, was held to 16 points, while Frances Mordi added 12 markers./PN
