MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses battled back from a set down to defeat the Adamson University Lady Falcons, 25-18, 23-25, 22-25, 27-25, 15-8, in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Angeline Poyos led the way with 27 points, built on 25 attacks, one block, and a service ace, to go with 15 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs as the Golden Tigresses snapped a three-game slide to improve to a 6-4 win-loss slate.
Regina Jurado added 20 markers, from 15 attacks, four blocks, and a service ace, to go with 18 excellent digs and four excellent receptions, while Maribeth Hilongo tallied seven markers for UST.
Already on the verge of defeat at 24-25 late in the fourth set, Jurado stepped up for the Golden Tigresses with three consecutive conversions to take a 27-25 set win and force a deciding frame.
The Golden Tigresses rode on the momentum to start the fifth set with consecutive service aces from Cassie Carballo and attacks from Jurado to establish a 6-2 advantage.
The Lady Falcons still attempted to keep the match close, but the Golden Tigresses responded with connections from Hilongo, Poyos, and Sophia Abbu to complete the come-from-behind win.
“Thankful kami kasi naputol na ‘yung losing skid. ‘Yung grit ng mga bagets namin mostly emotions na ‘yung nag-dictate ng laro eh,” said Golden Tigresses head coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes after the game.
“Luckily, nung dulo ng fourth set, nag-start na silang mag-recover, and ‘yung high and low ng laro namin hanggang sa nakuha namin ‘yung panalo against Adamson,” he added.
Shaina Nitura finished with 36 points on 32 attacks, three blocks, and a service ace, to go with 11 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions, while Frances Mordi added 21 markers as the Lady Falcons dropped to a 3-7 win-loss slate.
Meanwhile, De La Salle University Lady Spikers halted Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles’ winning streak with a 25-21, 25-20, 25-17 victory. Angel Anne Canino led the way with 16 points for DLSU./PN
