THE UST Golden Tigresses secured a twice-to-beat advantage after a sweep of the CSB Lady Blazers, 25-19, 25-20, 25-23, in the second round of the Shakey’s Super League (SSL) Pre-Season Unity Cup on Sunday, Oct. 12 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
With the victory, UST claimed the top spot in the pool B, staying unbeaten in the second round.
UST immediately set the tone in the opening set, racing to a 5-0 start behind Julia Balingit’s attack and a Xyza Gula ace.
CSB tried to recover, trimming the gap to 10-8 off Zam Nolasco’s back-to-back aces, but Gula stopped the bleeding with a swipe off-the-block, 13-9.
The Lady Blazers attempted to rally but a quick hit from middle blocker Mae Coronado kept the España side in command, 16-13.
Maintaining composure down the stretch, Balingit sealed the first set with a down-the-line finish, 25-19.
The second salvo turned into a nip-and-tuck affair early on, with Marga Altea’s slide hit giving UST the edge, 8-7.
The Lady Blazers briefly pulled ahead, 16-14, but Ange Poyos and Reg Jurado led a late surge as UST regained control, 21-19.
Setter Cassie Carballo fired three straight service aces to bring UST to set point, 24-19, before Poyos sealed the deal with a hammer, 25-20.
CSB fought tooth and nail in the third set, keeping the match close until Jurado’s deep crosscourt attack gave UST an 8-6 cushion.
The Tigresses maintained the lead through Poyos’ relentless offense, 20-18, before Gula delivered the finishing blow, 25-23.
Carballo earned Player of the Game honors after orchestrating UST offense with 12 excellent sets and four points.
UST will look to sustain their momentum when they face the San Beda Lady Red Spikers in their final Pool B match on Friday, Oct. 17 at the San Andres Gym. F
