IN WHAT was expected to be another classic showdown, the UST Golden Tigresses crumbled before the DLSU Lady Spikers in straight sets, 25-14, 25-15, 26-24, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, Feb. 22 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
UST endured back-to-back losses to begin the season, stumbling to its first 0-2 start since 2017. Meanwhile, DLSU improved to 2-0.
The Lady Archers leaned on the trio of Shevana Laput, Angel Canino and Shane Reterta, who combined for 32 attack points.
UST started strong, as middle blocker Marga Aktea converted a quick attack to give her team an early 6-3 lead.
But reception woes soon haunted the Tigresses, with Lady Spikers unleashing a 7-1 run behind a series of service aces, capped by an ace from Canino to take a 10-7 advantage.
The Tigresses managed a few mini-runs to stay within striking distance, but the Lady Archers maintained control to seal the opening set, 25-14.
Set 2 followed a similar pattern as the Taft squad built a four-point cushion after back-to-back attacks from Laput, 12-8.
Tigress rookie Julia Balingit provided a spark with an off-the-block hit, yet DLSU responded emphatically, exploding for a 10-1 run punctuated by a powerful Laput kill to close the set, 25-15.
Last season’s bronze medalists refused to fold in the third set, showing renewed energy behind a hit from outside spiker Xyza Gula for a 22-all deadlock.
Even after reaching set point, UST could not hold on, as DLSU displayed composure and overturned the set with Laput denying Gula twice at the net before finishing with a smart tip to snatch the third frame.
Ace spiker Angge Poyos was the sole double-digit scorer for UST with 13 attacks, two blocks and an ace.
With the loss, UST has yet to solve DLSU, dropping to a three-game losing streak against the Taft-based squad since Round 1 of Season 87.
The Tigresses will aim to score their first win of the season as they take on fellow winless squad Ateneo Blue Eagles on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. F
