THE UST Golden Tigresses outlast the UE Lady Warriors in four thrilling sets, 18-25, 25-19, 25-17, 25-22, in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 21.
Tigress rookie Angge Poyos led the charge for UST after unleashing 19 attacks, two blocks and three aces.
UE gained an early momentum during the first set after open hitters Khy Cepada and Casiey Donggalo’s attacks crashed UST’s floor defense, 3-8. The Tigresses managed to regroup, 13-16, but the Lady Warriors closed the first set with a seven-point advantage, 25-18.
The Tigresses kicked off an early five-point lead in the second frame, 10-5, courtesy of impressive attacks and aces from opposite hitter Regina Jurado and Poyos.
Despite fighting back with their successive attacks, the Lady Warriors struggled due to their service errors. UST maintained its momentum and clinched a 25-19 set win.
Poyos and Dongallo had a rookie showdown in the third set. In the end, the Tigress rookie showed her prowess through a crucial service ace, ending the set at 25-17.
The teams fought a neck-and-neck battle but the Tigresses pulled away after open hitter Xyza Gula scored six attacks to help secure the win.
UST head coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes, said it was a tough game for the Tigresses, commending the performance of the rookie-laden Lady Warriors.
“They (UE) had a good tempo in the first set… UE is in their new era, their players are aggressive,” Reyes said.
Jurado steered UST’s offense with 16 points from 15 attacks and an ace, while Gula contributed ten markers. It was the España-based squad’s second victory in two games.
Dongallo helped UE with 23 points, while Cepada and middle blocker Riza Nogales had 10 points apiece.
The Golden Tigresses aim to defend their stainless record as they face the DLSU Lady Spikers at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, Feb. 25. F – Mc Neil Zhy Serrano
