The UST Golden Tigresses in their UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball clash against the Ateneo Blue Eagles. Photo from UAAP Media.
MANILA (UPDATED) — University of Santo Tomas has won its fifth straight victory in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.
The Golden Tigresses tallied a hard-earned sweep against Ateneo de Manila University, 25-20, 25-23, 25-21, during their Sunday afternoon faceoff at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City to improve to 5-1 in the team standings.
Angge Poyos put up 19 points, five receptions, and four digs to lead her squad to their first sweep of the present season, and UST deputy Yani Fernandez was grateful for how they finally held on to complete a sweep.
"Thankful kami kasi first-time namin maka straight sets," he said after the contest. "Pero ipo-polish pa namin yung mga skills kasi nagkakaroon ng doubt saka confusion sa game namin especially sa receiving formation.
Equally impressive were Reg Jurado and Pia Abbu as they followed with 13 points, three digs, one reception, and 13 markers and a dig, respectively, while team captain Detdet Pepito contributed eight digs, eight receptions, and a point.
However, Pepito emphasized that there is still a long way to go for UST if they want to surpass their finals appearance in Season 87.
"To be honest, malayo pa po talaga," she insisted. "Pero since matiyagain talaga kami, matiyagain yung coaches, naa-apply pa rin talaga namin kung ano yung tinuturo and kung ano yung gameplan namin every game."
"So happy, pero sabi ko nga po: ‘Wag muna kami mag-expect. Actually, ‘di kasi talaga namin tinitignan yung rankings, Ang focus namin is yung sana maging mas consistent pa po kami and mas pagkatiwalaan pa namin yung sistema na meron yung UST.
The Tigresses faced a 10-4 start in the first frame, but they zoomed to a 21-10 spurt as the set ended to build their momentum en route to finishing the sweep.
What helped UST do this was their 46-33 advantage on attack points and 11-2 on aces, as well as their impressive floor defense which Pepito anchored, 23-15 on digs.
On the other hand, the Blue Eagles were dealt with the early exit of Sobe Buena due to an apparent leg injury during the 21-15 mark of the first set.
They were already competing sans Zel Tsunashima and Jlo Delos Santos who are dealing with their respective injuries.
Buena exited the arena with a knee brace while also being supported by crutches.
AC Miner and Lyann de Guzman held the fort for the short-staffed Ateneo squad by putting up 13 and 11, respectively, but these went for naught as they fell to 1-4 in the team standings.
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