MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses overcame a set down to beat De La Salle University Lady Spikers, 22-25, 25-23, 25-16, 25-15, in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Jonna Perdido was once again a thorn in the side of the Lady Spikers as she finished with 19 points, built on 18 attacks and a service ace, to be named Player of the Game for the Golden Tigresses.
The Golden Tigresses, which improved to a 12-2 win-loss slate with the win, have secured the remaining twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four against the defending champions, the Lady Spikers.
“Merong pressure (na may twice-to-beat kami sa Final Four), pero io-overcome namin. Madami pa kaming kailangan na trabahuhin sa training,” said Perdido, who also anchored the Golden Tigresses during their first-round win against the Lady Spikers.
Angeline Poyos led the way for the Golden Tigresses with 22 points on 18 attacks, three blocks, and a service ace, while Regina Jurado contributed 13 points, including 10 attacks, in the win.
“Magandang panalo ito papasok sa Final Four kasi malaking bagay ‘yung nangyari,” said Golden Tigresses head coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes. “Nakuha namin ‘yung ine-aim namin na, hindi lang makapasok ng top four kundi may twice-to-beat advantage.”
“Hindi naging madali ‘yung mga pinagdaanan ng bata kasi ‘yung nakatapat namin is ‘yung defending champions, so nagsisimula pa lang kasi nasa another chapter kami (ng campaign namin),” he added.
Shevana Laput top-scored with 26 points on 23 attacks, two service aces, and a block, while Negrense Angel Canino made her Lady Spikers return to contribute 13 points. They dropped to an 11-3 record.
Casiey Dongallo capped off her rookie year with a dominant showing as the University of the East Lady Warriors clobbered the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 23-25, 25-17, 27-25, 25-22.
Dongallo went for 28 points on 25 attacks, two blocks, and a service ace, along with nine excellent digs, as the Lady Warriors ended the season with a 3-11 win-loss slate. The Fighting Maroons capped their campaign at 1-13./PN
