MANILA — University of Santo Tomas stamped its dominance on the sand once again, completing a rare championship sweep as its men’s and women’s teams clinched the UAAP Season 88 beach volleyball titles on Sunday night at Sands SM by the Bay in Pasay City.
The Tigresses, powered by the unbeaten duo of Sofiah Pagara and Khy Progella, reclaimed the women’s crown with a spotless 9-0 run capped by a commanding 21-8, 22-20 victory over National University’s Honey Grace Cordero and Kizil Quijote. The win marked UST’s first women’s title since their heartbreaking Finals loss to NU last season — a defeat that still weighed heavily on the team.
“Nawala yung tinik na dinamdam namin ng isang taon. Kasi sobrang sakit yung pangyayaring iyon,” said Tournament MVP Progella. “Iba yung feeling namin ngayon. Makakatulog na kami nang mahimbing. Ganoon na yung nararamdaman namin.”
UST also extended its unmatched supremacy in the men’s division, with Alche Gupiteo and Dom Gabito fending off NU’s Alex Iraya and Sky Gemarino, 24-22, 21-17, to secure the school’s seventh straight men’s championship.
The “Golden Double” strengthened UST’s status as the most decorated program in UAAP beach volleyball, amassing 10 combined titles across both divisions.
In the women’s bronze medal match, FEU’s Melody Pons and Lovely Lopez bagged their third straight podium finish, outlasting UP’s Jum Gayo and Kryssia Ornos, 21-18, 15-21, 15-4.
Over in the men’s side, Ateneo returned to the podium for the first time since Season 85 as Jian Salarzon and Amil Pacinio dispatched FEU’s Christian Salboro and Reynan Postorioso, 21-16, 21-11, ending the Tamaraws’ two-year hold of third place./PN
