THE UST Golden Tigresses capped the UAAP Season 89 Kickoff Party on a high note, outplaying the Farm Fresh Foxies in four sets, 18–25, 25–21, 25–16, 25–20, on Friday, Sept. 11, at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Former Golden Tigress winger and 2026 PVL sixth overall pick Jonna Perdido made her return to España, this time donning the white-and-orange of the Foxies.
Former NUNS Lady Bullpup and UAAP Season 88 Girls’ MVP Bambam Berayo made her debut in front of the Thomasian crowd.
Despite early struggles in the opening set, Marga Altea and Angge Poyos kept the España squad within striking distance, trimming Farm Fresh’s lead to three, 18-21.
However, a 4–0 run from the Foxies halted UST’s comeback attempt, with Perdido delivering the final back-row kill to seal the opening set, 25–18.
The Tigresses responded in the second frame, taking control for most of the set and building a five-point cushion down the stretch. A Farm Fresh attack error then handed UST the set, 25–21, to level the match.
UST carried its momentum into the third set, building a 10-point advantage, 24–14, before Kim Rubin put an end to the Foxies’ rally at set point, 25–16.
The Tigresses opened the final frame with a commanding 17–9 lead before veteran Ara Galang provided crucial attacking support to help Farm Fresh trim the deficit to 23–20.
Despite the late comeback attempt, team captain Reg Jurado stopped the Foxies’ charge, delivering the final point to seal the match, 25–20.
Other former Thomasians who played include Pierre Abellana and Renee Peñafiel. Middle blockers Imee Hernandez and Riri Meneses were also present but did not see action in the match. F
