THE UST Golden Tigresses outlasted the surging UE Lady Warriors in a thrilling five-setter, 24-26, 25-17, 25-23, 20-25, 15-5, in the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge, on Saturday, Sept. 5, at Gameville Central Park.
Marga Altea stepped up despite the absence of captain Reg Jurado and Angge Poyos, with 21 points built on 16 attacks, three aces and two blocks.
The Tigresses was pushed the to the limit in the opening set, keeping the frame tight at 23-22 before a crucial block from Erica Gutierrez gave the Golden Tigresses set point at 24-22.
But UE refused to fold, mounting a 4-0 run as a lifting violation from Kim Rubin allowed the Lady Warriors to steal the opener, 26-24.
UST then raced to its biggest lead of the match in the second set, taking a 15-6 advantage behind timely points from Julia Balingit, Altea and Avril Bron.
The Golden Tigresses closed out the set as back-to-back points from Balingit helped UST level the match, 25-17.
UST stayed in the front foot in the third set, but UE kept the Golden Tigresses within striking distance, as UST clawed its way to set point at 24-23.
Balingit delivered the finishing blow with a kill to seal the third set, 25-23.
UST’s main gunner Balingit rolled her ankle early in the fourth set as the Golden Tigresses trailed UE, 9-10. With Balingit hampered, the Lady Warriors stretched their lead to 16-12.
The Recto-based squad sustained its momentum, with Francheska Adem delivering back-to-back points to give UE a 25-20 win and force a deciding fifth set.
Altea starred in the deciding set, rattling off six straight points to power UST’s 14-4 surge and pull the Golden Tigresses away from UE.
UST will return to action against the Letran Lady Knights, on Sunday, Sept. 13, at the same venue. F
