THE UST Golden Tigresses continued their dominant campaign in the 2026 Shakey’s Super League National Invitationals after cruising past guest team Southern Storm Melbourne in straight sets, 25-20, 25-14, 25-9, on Wednesday, July 22, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Star spiker Angge Poyos led the offense with 14 points off 13 attacks and a single service ace, while the debuting captain Reg Jurado chipped-in eight points, all on attacks.
“During set one, it felt like they were reading my moves because of their double blocks, (so after that) I just got into my groove to play my usual game,” Poyos told The Flame.
“It’s a great experience for us to get to play against these players from a foreign team, they’re no joke (to play against), especially their height,” she added.
The Tigresses started off hot with a 7-4 advantage, but guest team Southern Storm ignited a 7-4 run post-timeout behind Cleo Anastasias, tying the game 11-all.
A series of attacks and aces shifted the momentum for UST at the tail end of the first set, with Jurado closing the frame on a high-flying point, 25-20.
Marga Altea’s fast attack kicked-off a blowout second set after a 5-4 opening affair, with Poyos leading a 21-10 blitz for the Tigresses.
Arlene Waje’s dump set and a long-range spike from rookie Kim Rubin capped-off the period, 25-14.
The third set saw the España-based squad firing from all cylinders, holding the Southern Storm Melbourne to only nine points. Bianca Plaza’s attack cemented another victory for the Tigresses.
Anastasias led the Australia-based suad in a losing end with nine points off eight attacks and a block, with Isabelle Smith adding six markers on four attacks, a serve and a block.
The Tigresses will wrap-up the elimination round of the tournament as they face another guest team Ho Chi Minh City Volleyball Club on Thursday, July 23, at the same venue. F
