MANILA — University of Santo Tomas asserted its rising form with a third straight victory, overcoming a first-set stumble to defeat Ateneo de Manila University, 21-25, 25-11, 25-22, 25-12, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Riding a balanced offensive and defensive effort, the Golden Tigresses improved to a 5-3 record, seizing momentum in the tightly contested midsection of the eliminations.
Angeline Poyos led the charge with 25 points and 11 excellent receptions, while Regina Jurado delivered a double-double of 20 points and 21 rebounds to anchor UST’s turnaround after a shaky opening set.
Jonna Perdido added 10 points and nine excellent digs, Cassie Carballo orchestrated the offense with 22 excellent sets along with two attacks, and Bernadett Pepito contributed 13 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions.
After conceding the opening frame, the Golden Tigresses regrouped and imposed their tempo, overpowering the Blue Eagles in the next three sets behind superior net defense and sustained attacking runs.
Ilongga Ana Hermosura paced Ateneo with 11 points, 12 excellent digs, and nine excellent receptions, but the Blue Eagles slipped to a 1-7 record, remaining near the bottom of the standings.
In the other match, De La Salle University maintained its perfect run, fending off Adamson University, 25-19, 17-25, 25-23, 25-23, to open the second round with an unblemished 8-0 slate.
Angel Canino spearheaded the Lady Spikers with a double-double of 21 points and 15 excellent receptions, continuing her consistent all-around performance.
Amie Provido added 18 markers, highlighted by five blocks, while Shevana Laput chipped in 10 points. Shane Reterta also made her presence felt with nine markers and 15 excellent receptions.
La Salle displayed composure in crunch time, surviving a tight third set before closing out the match in the fourth to remain unbeaten in the tournament.
Adamson dropped to a 4-4 record after failing to sustain the momentum it built in the second set, despite a strong showing from Shaina Nitura, who finished with 23 points./PN
