THE ROOKIE-laden UST Golden Tigresses roared into their UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball opener with a statement win, 25-19, 25-23, 25-22, over last season’s runner-up NU Lady Bulldogs on Sunday, Feb. 18.
Tigress lefty hitter Regina Jurado put the finishing touches to claim the match-winning point in the third set, capping off the Tigresses’ dominant performance at the Mall of Asia Arena.
UST kicked off the matchup with a six-point advantage, 16-10. NU regrouped briefly, but Jurado’s crosscourt attack sealed the first set, 25-19.
Lady Bulldogs star Mhicaela Belen ignited a spark in the second set, tying the score at 18-all. However, a crucial service error by NU team captain Erin Pangilinan halted their momentum, allowing outside hitter Jonna Perdido to score three points and power UST to a 25-23 victory.
Sophomore setter Cassie Carballo dropped three consecutive service aces in the third set to pace into the Tigresses’ offense.
Though NU’s towering Alyssa Solomon took advantage of UST’s height disadvantage with a crosscourt hit and off-the-block attack that tied the set at 14-all, the Golden Tigresses managed to shut down the Lady Bulldogs with an all-around team effort.
Despite losing key players, the Golden Tigresses proved they remain a force, boasting four players with double-digit outputs.
Rookie ace Angge Poyos led the Tigresses with 13 attacks and three blocks. Perdido and Jurado notched 12 points apiece, while rookie middle blocker Margaret Banagua impressed with 10 points, including three blocks.
UST’s win would not have happened without the heroics of Carballo, who orchestrated the Tigresses’ offense by completing 20 excellent sets.
“[I am] super happy with the result of the game… we did not try to be pressured and (we) just enjoyed the game,” Carballo said in a post-game interview.
“Everything we worked hard for, that’s what we will get.”
Solomon led the Lady Bulldogs with 14 attacks and four blocks, while outside hitter Vange Alinsug added 11 points.
The Golden Tigresses will try to build on their momentum as they clash against the UE Lady Warriors on Feb. 21 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. F
