MANILA — The University of Santo Tomas finally roared to life in Season 88, sweeping Ateneo de Manila University, 26-24, 25-18, 25-21, on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to capture its first win in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament.
Behind a dominant all-around performance from Angeline Poyos, the Golden Tigresses snapped a two-game skid and breathed life into their campaign, improving to 1-2 in the standings after a composed straight-sets victory.
UST leaned on its firepower and floor defense to outlast Ateneo in a tense opening set before pulling away with controlled aggression in the next two frames.
Poyos delivered 21 points built on 19 attacks, one block, and one service ace. The former UAAP Rookie of the Year carried the Tigresses in crucial stretches, repeatedly breaking through Ateneo’s defense to seal UST’s breakthrough victory.
Regina Jurado backed her up with a double-double of 12 points and 11 excellent digs, providing stability on both ends of the floor.
Negrense setter Cassie Carballo efficiently orchestrated the offense with 14 excellent sets while adding three points of her own, as Bernadett Pepito anchored the backline with 14 excellent digs and four excellent receptions.
Ateneo remained winless after three matches despite a steady effort from Dona Mae de Leon, who paced the Blue Eagles with 10 points coming from seven attacks, two blocks, and one ace. Ana Hermosura and Zey Pacia chipped in eight markers apiece, but the Katipunan-based squad struggled to sustain momentum after a closely contested first set.
In the other match, De La Salle University continued to assert its early-season dominance with a commanding 25-12, 25-15, 25-19 sweep of University of the Philippines.
The Lady Spikers overwhelmed the Fighting Maroons from the opening serve, showcasing a balanced attack and disciplined floor coverage to secure their third consecutive victory and remain unbeaten.
Angel Canino led La Salle with 12 points, while Amie Provido and Shane Raterta added 11 markers each. Maria Santos contributed 10 markers in another clinical performance by the Taft-based squad.
Casiey Dongallo, Jelai Gajero, Irah Jaboneta, and Niña Ytang tallied four points apiece for UP, which slipped to a 2-1 record./PN
