THE UST Golden Tigresses’ shot at the remaining twice-to-beat incentive crumbled after collapsing to the DLSU Lady Spikers in four sets, 23-25, 25-20, 30-28, 29-27, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday, April 30, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
With the victory, DLSU locked up the second seed and denied UST of a Season 81 repeat.
Six years ago, the Tigresses—led by former MVP Sisi Rondina and rising star Eya Laure—took down the then four-peat-seeking Lady Spikers in a playoff match to snag the last twice-to-beat advantage.
It was a tight affair to begin the clash before the Tigresses gained a four-point separation topped by an ace from Reg Jurado, 18-14.
DLSU eventually caught up as Angel Canino pierced through the block to cut their deficit to 24-23. However, an off-the-block spike from Angge Poyos handed UST the first frame, 25-23.
Both squads traded hits to kick off the second set until the Lady Spikers surged to an 8-2 run sparked by Sheva Laput’s hit from the opposite side, 20-14.
Wanting to respond, DLSU maintained control as Alleah Malaluan placed the ball inside to tie the match at one-set apiece, 25-20.
Tied midway through the third period, UST scored five consecutive points to take a 18-13 advantage. DLSU responded with a 6-1 run kickstarted by a hit from Jean Soreño, 19-all.
Found at another deadlock, Canino unleashed back-to-back kills to seal the extended set for the Lady Spikers, 30-28.
Falling behind by two sets, UST managed to take a 22-17 edge before DLSU rallied back and forced another extension.
With the win in sight, the Lady Spikers marked their target as Laput dropped the hammer to put down the Tigresses, 29-27.
The dynamic duo of Canino and Laput led the way for DLSU with a combined output of 46 points. Malaluan and Amie Provido added 11 and 10 markers, respectively.
Poyos paced UST with 23 kills and one block. Lefty spiker Reg Jurado backed her up with 12 points.
UST and DLSU will clash once again in the Final Four on Saturday, May 3, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. F
