IT WAS A double heartache in España as the UST Golden Tigresses stumbled to longtime rivals FEU Lady Tamaraws in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball opener, 25-19, 16-25, 25-14, 25-20, on Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Despite committing only 19 errors to FEU’s 30, the new-look UST still struggled to seize control of the showdown.
Season 86 Rookie of the Year Angge Poyos was limited to 13 points, while highly anticipated rookie Margaret Altea stepped up with 10 markers.
The Tigresses trailed early as Lady Tamaraw middle blocker Jean Asis hammered a running attack, 9-6. Despite an initial 12-all deadlock, FEU pulled away late in the set as UST’s errors began to pile up, 25-19.
The second set told a different story as UST took control early after team co-captain Reg Jurado’s crosscourt kill through a double block, 6-2. Keeping the Tamaraws in check, Jurado converted an off-speed shot to tie the match one set apiece, 25-16.
In the third set, however, FEU’s middle blocker duo of Asis and Jaz Ellarina proved too much as they buried UST in a 15-5 hole midway through. Lady Tamaraw setter Tin Ubaldo continued feeding Asis, who delivered the finishing blow to take the set, 25-14.
Both teams traded leads in the payoff period until outside hitter Gerz Petallo fired back-to-back points to put FEU ahead, 16-15. Late errors doomed the Tigresses, allowing the Lady Tamaraws to clinch their first win, 25-20.
Four players finished in double figures for FEU. Faida Bakanke scored 16 points, Petallo and Asis contributed 15 each, while Chennie Tagaod added 10.
UST will try to secure their first win against the UE Lady Red Warriors on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the FilOil EcoOil Center. F
