THE UST Golden Tigresses maintained their unblemished record in UAAP Season 86 with a dominant straight-set victory over the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 25-19, 25-16, 25-19, at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, March 9.
The win marked UST’s best start in the UAAP since Season 72, propelling the team to the top of the league standings with a perfect 5-0 record. Meanwhile, the Ateneo Blue Eagles fell to a 1-4 win-loss record.
Fueled by rookie Angge Poyos’ relentless attacks, the Tigresses seized a commanding 5-0 lead in the first set.
Ateneo attempted a comeback, but UST’s offensive firepower proved too much to handle after middle blocker Bianca Plaza sealed the first set with back-to-back service aces, 25-19.
Poyos continued her stellar performance in the second set, firing off down-the-line and crosscourt kills to establish a 5-1 lead. The Tigresses built a comfortable 13-4 cushion, further bolstered by open hitter Jona Perdido’s sharp attacks.
Unforced errors by Ateneo allowed UST to secure a commanding 2-0 set lead with a 25-16 victory.
Despite suffering from a 0-2 deficit, the Blue Eagles refused to go down without a fight. They capitalized on four consecutive UST errors and a block by AC Miner to narrow the gap to 14-12 in the third set.
However, Perdido stepped up with a crucial 4-1 run, utilizing off-the-block attacks. More unforced errors by Ateneo put UST at match point, where Poyos delivered the final blow with a powerful spike, securing a 25-19 win.
Despite their best start in program history, Poyos emphasized the importance of staying focused and eliminating errors.
UST committed 18 errors, much less than the previous game’s 40 errors against FEU.
“Since we are undefeated, our only mindset is to improve our focus… there is still a lot that we have to work on and it will begin with our training. We should not be complacent and we should not relax,” Poyos told The Flame.
Poyos led the Tigresses with a career-high 26 points, fueled by 21 attacks, three aces and two blocks. Opposite hitter Regina Jurado chipped in 12 markers.
Open hitter Lyann Deguzman steered Ateneo’s offense after scoring 11 points, while opposite hitter Geezel Tsunashima and AC Miner contributed eight and seven points, respectively.
The undefeated Tigresses look to extend their winning streak when they face the UP Fighting Maroons at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, March 13. F
