THE UST Golden Tigresses wriggled free from the Adamson Lady Falcons in a five-set battle, 25-18, 23-25, 22-25, 27-25, 15-8, to taste their first victory in the second round of the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.
UST finally broke out of its slump, neutralizing the 36-point explosion of Adamson’s rookie superstar Shaina Nitura on Wednesday, April 2, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Improving to a 6-4 slate, the Tigresses are now tied up with the FEU Lady Tamaraws in the standings.
Meanwhile, the Lady Falcons slipped to a 3-7 record for the seventh spot.
Things started off tightly before the Tigresses growled to a 5-1 blitz capped by a cut attack from lefty Reg Jurado, 16-10.
Despite Adamson’s efforts to trim its deficit, UST still sealed a 25-18 set-win after Nitura’s service went out of bounds.
The Lady Falcons found their rhythm in the second set as Nitura and Frances Mordi traded kills to build an eight-point advantage, 15-8.
UST rallied back into the match by shaving Adamson’s lead down to one, 24-23. The latter, however, hung on to deny an extension after Tigress playmaker Cassie Carballo overcooked her service.
The Tigresses surged to a 5-0 run to gain an 18-15 lead midway through the third frame. The Lady Falcons then unleashed a dominant 7-1 barrage to overtake the edge.
Adamson maintained composure late in the set as Faye Sagaysay found an open spot to close it out, 25-22.
Both teams traded blows in the fourth frame as Nitura pierced through the defense to take a 25-24 edge. Jurado then took matters into her own hands, drilling three consecutive kills in the extension to force a decider, 27-25.
Entering their second straight fifth set, the Tigresses launched a 9-4 run after Mabeth Hilongo slapped down a kill.
UST came up top in the final stretch as Jurado scored four huge points, including a block that killed off Adamson.
Poyos scored 27 points for UST, while Jurado contributed 15 kills, four blocks and an ace.
On the other side, Mordi backed Nitura with 21 markers in a losing effort.
The Tigresses will try to sustain their momentum as they face the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Saturday, April 5, at the same venue. F
