MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses relied on its offensive prowess to dispose Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, 25-23, 25-16, 25-13, in the 2024 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge at Paco Arena in Manila on Sunday afternoon.
Mary Margaret Banagua’s defense and the offensive firepower of Angeline Poyos and Regine Jurado were crucial as the Golden Tigresses maintained their clean slate after three matches.
“Maganda ‘yung galaw eh, na-minimize namin ‘yung errors namin. Everything was right in place, parang ganoon ‘yung nangyari,” said Golden Tigresses head coach Kungfu Reyes.
Poyos and Jurado poured in 14 and 11 points, respectively, while Banagua tallied eight points built on four blocks, three attacks, and an ace to earn the Player of the Game honors for UST.
“Nung first set, ang ganda, everybody’s game nung first set. Luckily, kami ‘yung tumama sa dulo kasi nga tumama ‘yung challenge namin, so malaking turn of events ‘yon,” Reyes said.
No Lady Tamaraw scored in double figures, with Gerzel Petallo chipping in eight points and Jean Asis and Jazlyn Ellarina contributing seven points each in the loss. They dropped to 1-2.
Meanwhile, defending champions College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers halted a two-game slide with a 25-13, 25-22, 25-21 sweep over University of the Philippines Figting Maroons.
Wielyn Estoque led the charge with 14 points, including 11 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, while Zamantha Nolasco provided strong support with 11 points, highlighted by eight kills and a game-high three blocks.
Estoque and Nolasco’s combined efforts were crucial to the Lady Blazers’ victory after suffering consecutive losses in this pre-season tournament they won last year.
“Marami, marami pa dapat i-improve. Any kind of win is a big boost. Sino man kalaban natin next, we have to be prepared,” said Lady Blazers head coach Jerry Yee./PN
