THE UST Golden Tigresses failed to break free from the NU Lady Bulldogs’ spell as they crumbled in five sets, 23-25, 25-17, 25-18, 22-25, 15-9, to end the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball eliminations on Sunday, April 27, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
After dropping to a 9-5 slate, UST’s chance for the remaining twice-to-beat incentive now hinges on a crucial playoff for the second seed against the DLSU Lady Spikers at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, April 30.
Meanwhile, the Lady Bulldogs solidified their spot at the top with a 12-2 record. They will face the fourth-seeded FEU Lady Tamaraws in the Final Four.
UST took an early 12-7 advantage in the opening frame after open hitter Mabeth Hilongo drove in an ace. NU eventually got within one behind a quick attack from Chams Maaya, 20-19.
Trailing by four at set-point, the Lady Bulldogs tried to rally late, but a service error from Alyssa Solomon gave the Tigresses the tight set, 25-23.
To kickstart the second salvo, the Lady Bulldogs held a quick 14-7 cushion highlighted by a down-the-line kill from reigning MVP Bella Belen.
UST tried to keep things close midway, but NU pulled away late with Belen punching through the defense to claim the set, 25-17.
Fueled by Solomon’s off-the-block kill, the Jhocson-based squad stormed to a quick 8-1 start in the third frame. The defending champions maintained control as Solomon dropped a hammer for a 2-1 set advantage, 25-18.
It was a similar start in the fourth frame after Lady Bulldog Vange Alinsug finished off the long rally for a four-point edge, 8-4. The Tigresses, however, found their rhythm courtesy of solid hits from middle blocker Em Banagua.
Deadlock at 14-all, UST built momentum and took over the match. Tigress opposite spiker Reg Jurado scored three straight points to force a decider, 25-22.
The Lady Bulldogs displayed their championship mettle in crunch time, shutting down the Tigresses behind the dynamic duo of Belen and Solomon, 15-9.
Belen, the clear favorite to win her third straight MVP, commanded NU to victory with 26 points built on 24 kills and two blocks. Solomon scored 23 points, while Alinsug chimed in 19.
Jurado led UST’s offense, scoring 19 points from 17 attacks, a block and an ace. Open spiker Angge Poyos had a quiet 15-point output, while Hilongo and Margaret Altea added 10 and 12 markers, respectively. F – with reports from Jade Alecksandra Bagas
