FORMIDABLE DEFENSE allowed the UST Golden Tigresses to secure their second win in the V-League women’s collegiate challenge at the expense of the daring UE Lady Warriors on Sunday, Aug. 4.
The Tigresses’ solid net and floor defense preyed on the Lady Warriors, allowing them to get the dub in four sets, 25-14, 25-19, 24-26, 25-19, at the Paco Arena.
UST immediately showed aggressiveness to start the match with a five-point edge after a topspin from open hitter Jonna Perdido, 8-3. A long rally-ending kill from Tigress star Angge Poyos allowed her team to conclude the first frame with an 11-point advantage, 25-14.
Seeing action for the first time, outside hitter Bien Arasan delivered a powerful spike that gave the Espana-based squad a seven-point lead to open the second set, 12-5.
Despite narrowing the lead, UE failed to keep the ball in play with its errors, allowing UST to clinch set two, 25-19.
It was a neck-and-neck battle during the start of the third salvo as UE middle blocker Rizza Nogales converted back-to-back aces to give the Recto squad a three-point lead, 12-9.
Poyos drove UST to catch up and to lead at match point, 24-23. However, the sophomore spiker committed an attack error that enabled UE outside hitter Khy Cepada to snatch the third set, 26-24.
The Tigresses trailed in the fourth frame but eventually overtook the lead with the help of three straight blocks from middle blocker Em Banagua, 20-17.
Errors haunted UE in the latter part of the fourth frame, handing UST the set and the match, 25-19.
Reigning UAAP best setter Cassie Carballo led UST with five points and 14 excellent sets, while Arasan and opposite spiker Reg Jurado scored 12 points.
Three players were in double digits for the Lady Warriors with Cepada contributing 17 points and 11 digs, while Jenalyn Umaya and Kayce Balingit chalked up 13 and 11 markers, respectively.
Now at 2-0, the Golden Tigresses look to aim for their third win against the FEU Lady Tamaraws on Sunday, Aug. 11, at the same venue. F – Nicole Atuan
