MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses averted a massive collapse to pull off a 25-18, 25-23, 14-25, 16-25, 15-12 stunner against De La Salle University Lady Spikers in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball last night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
After winning the first two sets convincingly, the Golden Tigresses suffered a huge melt down in the third and fourth set before suddenly founding themselves down 9-12 in the fifth set.
Angeline Poyos then stepped up for the Golden Tigresses with an off-the-block hit, followed by a quick hit from Margaret Banagua and another crosscourt attack from Poyos to force a deadlock at 12-all.
The Golden Tigresses took the lead at 13-12 on an error by Lady Spikers’ Thea Gagate before the completed the stunner with a service ace from Negrense Cassie Carballo and a block from Banagua.
Jonna Perdido waxed hot in the first two sets to end up with a career-high of 24 points, built on 21 attacks and three blocks, to be named Player of the Game for the Golden Tigresses.
“Wala nang madaling panalo ngayon, lahat pinaghihirapan especially if defending champions ‘yung kaharap mo,” Golden Tigresses head coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes said after the game.
“Dun naman team ng UST, ‘yung motivation nila sobra sobra pero nung dumating ‘yung third and fourth set na-low batt na,” he added. “Again, ang good thing nanalo especially nung fifth set hindi bumitaw.”
Poyos chipped in 22 points, on 20 attacks, one block, and a service ace, while Banagua contributed 11 markers for the Golden Tigresses, which now clings to solo first place with 3-0 record.
“Talagang pinaghandaan namin and sabi nga namin, labanan talaga ito ng kung sinong gustong manalo so mas gusto namin manalo this time,“ said Golden Tigresses libero Bernadeth Pepito, who had 18 receptions and 12 digs.
Bacolodnon Angel Anne Canino top-scored for the defending champions Lady Spikers with 28 points, Ilongga Amie Provido added 11 markers, while Alleiah Malaluan and Baby Jyne Soreno contributed 10 points each. They dropped to 2-1./PN
