THE UST Golden Tigresses notched their first victory in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament after outgunning the UE Lady Warriors in four sets, 28-26, 22-25, 25-23, 25-15, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Feb. 22, Saturday.
After dropping their campaign opener, the Tigresses bounced back as hitters Reg Jurado and Angge Poyos combined for 43 points to get into the win column.
UE gained a 24-20 lead in the opening set until UST scored four straight points, tying the match at 24-all. Tigress middle blocker Pia Abbu then denied Khy Cepada’s kill to take the first frame, 28-26.
The Lady Warriors took advantage of the Tigresses’ defense late in the second set as Cepada and Mary Ecalla had back-to-back points to put the match at one set apiece, 25-22.
In the third chapter, UST’s co-captain Jurado hammered UE with relentless attacks, giving her team a 14-7 advantage.
The Recto-based squad scrambled to mount a comeback, but the España squad’s star spiker Poyos delivered the dagger to clinch the set, 25-23.
Last year’s silver medalists found composure in the fourth period as they secured the victory with a 10-point cushion.
“It’s mind over matter, but we also put in the hard work… We just focused on composure and enjoying the game,” Jurado told The Flame.
Adding to the Tigresses’ offense, prized rookie Altea Margaret chipped in 10 markers.
Cepada spearheaded the Lady Warriors with 20 points on 16 attacks and four service aces.
UST will look to snatch a win against the DLSU Lady Spikers on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at the Mall of Asia Arena. F – R. J. Maglinao
