IT WAS all smiles in España as the UST Golden Tigresses lived to fight another day, sweeping the No. 3 Adamson Lady Falcons, 25-16, 25-18, 25-19, in the #UAAPSeason88 women’s volleyball Final Four stepladder on Wednesday, April 29.
After getting swept by Adamson in the elimination round, UST flipped the script when it mattered most to climb up the stepladder and set up a showdown with second-seeded NU Lady Bulldogs.
Power hitter Angge Poyos topscored for the Tigresses, as she racked up 17 points on 15 attacks and two service aces during the crucial game held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Lefty spikers Reg Jurado and Jonna Perdido poured in 13 and 10 markers, respectively. But it was team captain and libero Detdet Pepito who kept the team kicking with 16 excellent digs, nine excellent receptions and four excellent sets.
An attack error from Adamson’s Koy Aseo broke the joust for supremacy between both teams as the Tigresses embarked on an 8-2 run, 19-14.
UST extended its lead to nine points, as back-to-back service aces from Poyos brought out set point, while a dump from Cassie Carballo sealed the set, 25-16.
Jurado and Poyos continued to bring the hammer down on the struggling Lady Falcons as they fueled another 9-1 blitz to give UST a 20-13 lead in the second set.
The España-based squad’s hopes of moving up the stepladder continued to look bright as attacks from Avril Bron and Perdido gave them a two-set advantage, 25-18.
UST’s flanks continued to serve as the lifeline as Jurado and Poyos threw attacks, giving them a 22-17 edge following a tightly contested start to the third set.
Consecutive hits from Bron increased UST’s advantage, before an off-the block hammer from Poyos ultimately nailed Adamson’s coffin shut.
Season 88 MVP Shaina Nitura directed Adamson’s offense with 13 points on 12 attacks and a block, while Frances Mordi notched 11 markers on 10 attacks and a block.
The Golden Tigresses will look to redeem themselves against their rivals Lady Bulldogs on Saturday, May 2, at the same venue. F
