SHAKING OFF a rusty start, the UST Golden Tigresses sent the FEU Lady Tamaraws packing in four sets to claim the last semifinal slot in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday, April 25, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
UST eliminated FEU, 16-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-16, to seal its sixth consecutive Final Four appearance and advance to the stepladder semifinals.
Power spiker Angge Poyos erupted for 26 points on 22 attacks and four blocks to lead UST. Skipper and libero Detdet Pepito anchored the defense with 18 digs and 15 receptions.
It was a total disaster in the opening set for UST as it trailed by as much as eight points following a Gerz Petallo block on lefty Reg Jurado, 13-4.
The Lady Tamaraws continued to assert their dominance, capitalizing on UST errors to take the first frame, 25-16.
In the second salvo, the Tigresses found their groove and built a 14-9 lead capped by a solid block from Poyos.
The Morayta squad tried to climb back behind Lovely Lopez, but the España squad stayed in control, 25-20.
A similar script unfolded in the third set, with UST burying FEU in a 17-10 hole courtesy of a Xyza Gula power attack.
UST continued to show pesky floor defense and went on to claim the third frame after an off-the-block hit by Poyos, 25-18.
The Lady Tamaraws refused to back down early in the fourth set, with middle blocker Cla Loresco putting down a quick attack for a 6-3 lead.
But the Tigresses quickly turned the tide and surged to a 17-5 blitz highlighted by back-to-back rejections from Poyos on Loresco, 20-11.
UST then showcased another tremendous effort on floor and net defense to force FEU errors, with Gula delivering the final hit to clinch the win, 25-16.
Jurado contributed nine attacks, two blocks and 12 digs, while Gula delivered nine points, 11 digs and seven receptions, helping UST regain stability in the match
Meanwhile, two players from FEU finished in double figures, with Petallo tallying 14 markers and Loresco’s 11.
UST is set to face the No. 3 Adamson Lady Falcons in the semifinals knockout on Wednesday, April 29, at the same venue. F
