THE UST Golden Tigresses booked their fifth straight Final Four berth after eliminating the UP Fighting Maroons in straight sets, 25-20, 25-21, 25-18, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday, April 23, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Middle blocker Em Banagua made her presence felt at the net, tallying a career-high eight blocks coupled with four attacks to lock down the victory for the España squad.
“This was a crucial game and I really wanted to contribute to the team despite coming off the bench,” Banagua told The Flame.
“Since I was sidelined in the first round, I wanted the coaches to feel that I can contribute even as a substitute,” she added.
Holding a 9-4 record, the Tigresses completed the semifinals cast. Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons bowed out of contention with a 6-7 slate.
UST was off to a fiery start as lefty Reg Jurado detonated a bomb off a combination play to take a 16-8 lead. UP then surged to an 8-0 run topped by a Kassy Doering block, 17-16.
The Tigresses put some separation as Jurado punched in a cross-court kill to take the first frame, 25-20.
After star spiker Angge Poyos scored three straight points early in the second salvo, UP fed on its middle blocker duo of Niña Ytang and Doering to overturn the match, 9-7.
Both teams traded hits until the Tigresses pulled away late with two crucial blocks courtesy of Banagua, 25-21.
UST showed no remorse in the third period, launching a 7-1 start behind hard serves from Poyos. Joan Monares tried to keep UP’s hopes alive with an off-the-block hit to trim their deficit, 7-5.
The Maroons tried to rally late, but the Tigresses continued to ride on their momentum as Mabeth Hilongo drilled a down-the-line kill to seal the match-point, 25-18.
Poyos led the scoring for UST with 19 points on 18 spikes, followed by Jurado with 13 kills.
Ytang was the sole double-digit scorer for UP, chalking up 13 attacks and 3 blocks.
UST will look to vie for a twice-to-beat advantage as they challenge the top-seeded NU Lady Bulldogs on Sunday, April 27, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. F – Nicole Atuan
