MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses rallied from a set down to triumph over University of the East Lady Warriors, 18-25, 25-19, 25-17, 25-22, in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Rookie Angeline Poyos had another stellar outing of 24 points, on 19 attacks, three service aces, and two blocks, as the Golden Tigresses tied the De La Salle University Lady Spikers with a 2-0 win-loss slate.
Regina Jurado chipped in 16 points on 15 attacks and a service ace, while Xyza Gula came off the bench to deliver 10 attacks, and Margaret Banagua ended with nine points for UST.
After losing the opening set, the Golden Tigresses bounced back resoundingly in the second frame behind the tandem of Poyos and Jurado to force a 1-1 set score against the Lady Warriors.
The Lady Warriors surged to a 7-3 start in the third set, but Poyos stepped up with her booming service aces, while Gula and Banagua also delivered attack points as the Golden Tigresses took a 25-17 triumph.
In the fourth set, the Lady Warriors once again gained the early lead at 8-5 before the Golden Tigresses banked on conversions from Poyos, Jurado, and Gula to close the match.
“’Yung game talagang no joke. Hindi ka pwedeng magpabaya kasi gugulatin ka ng UE, especially nung first set sila ang nag pace ng game,” said Golden Tigresses head coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes.
Casiey Dongallo ended with 23 points on 22 attacks and a block, while Khy Cepada and Riza Nogales both ended with 10 points as the Lady Warriors dropped to a 1-1 win-loss slate.
Meanwhile, defending champions Lady Spikers overcame a fluctuating performance to secure a victory against Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, with a final score of 25-20, 25-17, 25-22.
Negrense Angel Canino led the way for the Lady Spikers with 13 points, Shevana Laput contributed 10 points, while Thea Gagate and Alleiah Malaluan had eight and seven points./PN
