THE UST Golden Tigresses toppled the winless UP Fighting Maroons via sweep, 25-22, 25-20, 26-24, to stay unbeaten in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
The Tigresses capitalized on their strong floor defense to maintain their flawless record to 6-0.
The Fighting Maroons remained at the bottom of the standings with a 0-6 win-loss slate but managed to threaten the Tigresses during the three close sets.
Rookie Angge Poyos ignited the Tigresses with three successive attacks, blasting them off to a 5-1 lead in the first set. UP bounced back with Joan Monares’ down-the-line, claiming a three-point advantage, 18-15.
However, UST stopped UP’s short momentum and sealed the first set courtesy of Fighting Maroons’ unforced error, 25-22.
Open hitter Xyza Gula’s two crosscourt kills gave UST a three-point lead in the second set, 8-5. UP attempted a comeback as setter Heart Magsombol shut down UST’s reception, tying the score at 19-all.
Opposite hitter Regina Jurado scored two consecutive points, putting UST at set point, 24-20. Gula then delivered an off-speed hit to take the 25-20 set-win.
Despite a 2-0 set advantage, UP’s Stephanie Bustrillos refused to give up, smashing down UST’s blockers and extending the third set at 24-all.
Jurado dashed UP’s hopes with a down-the-line finisher, securing UST’s victory at 26-24.
Poyos carried UST with 22 points, including 18 attacks and four aces. Gula and Jurado contributed 14 and 12 points, respectively.
Bustrillos, the only double-digit scorer for UP, scored 14 markers, while Monares had seven.
The undefeated Tigresses set their sights on extending their winning streak as they face the Adamson Lady Falcons at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, March 16. F – Mari Ymanuel Roxas with reports from Franz Martin Dizon
