MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses drew first blood in the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge semifinals after a 25-20, 25-16, 25-13 Game 1 victory over College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Negrense Cassie Carballo finished with 15 excellent sets to go with four points, including two service aces, to be named Player of the Game as the Golden Tigresses drew first blood in the best-of-three semis series.
Angeline Poyos spearheaded the UST offense with 14 points on 10 attacks, two blocks, and two service aces, while Jonna Perdido and Regina Jurado contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively.
The Golden Tigresses showcased their potent offense, especially in the third set, where the trio of Poyos, Jurado, and Perdido accounted for 17 attacks in the set while the Lady Blazers were held to just seven attacks.
“Pinaghandaan talaga namin ng maigi itong Benilde kasi last time umabot kami sa decision, sa fifth set. So, ‘yung mga lapses namin that time, pinolish talaga namin,” said Golden Tigresses assistant coach Yani Fernandez.
“Lahat ng tendencies ng St. Benilde, inaral namin, pinag-aralan, dinemo, ni-run through, kaya maganda naman talaga ‘yung in-expect naming kalalabasan sa game na ito,” he added.
The Golden Tigresses, which are still undefeated in the pre-season tournament, will look to close out their semifinal series with the Lady Blazers on Sunday afternoon at the same venue.
Mary Grace Borromeo finished with 10 points from nine kills and a block; Zam Nolasco and Mycah Go contributed eight and six points, respectively, for the reigning NCAA champion Lady Blazers.
Meanwhile, the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws also secured a series-opener win over the University of the East Lady Warriors in straight sets, 25-21, 25-15, and 25-20./PN
