MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses clawed back from a set down to defeat Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, 24-26, 25-20, 25-21, 25-14, in the do-or-die Game 3 and rule the 2024 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge on Friday at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.
Negrense Cassie Carballo tallied 19 excellent sets to be named Finals MVP as the Golden Tigresses clinched the crown by winning the best-of-three series, 2-1.
Angeline Poyos returned from a one-game absence to lead the way for the Golden Tigresses with 31 points, while Regina Jurado and Jonna Perdido added 15 and 10, respectively.
This was the Golden Tigresses’ seventh V-League Women’s volleyball championship overall and first since 2010 when the team was led by Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Rhea Dimaculangan and Maika Ortiz.
After losing the opening set, the Golden Tigresses started strong in the second frame but the Lady Tamaraws kept the match close at 17-all before UST pulled away late behind Poyos, Jurado, and Marga Altea.
In the third set, it was the Lady Tamaraws which gained the early lead before the Golden Tigresses rallied back and took a 22-18 advantage en route to taking a 2-1 set lead.
The Golden Tigresses surged to an 18-9 lead in the fourth set before the Lady Tamaraws threatened to within 12-20 before Poyos, Jurado, and Altea took turns on the offensive end to complete the win.
Golden Tigresses head coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes emphasized the importance of their defensive system in countering their lack of height against the Lady Tamaraws.
“Talagang ine-ensayo namin ‘yang ganyang situation, ‘yang skills na ‘yan. Doon kami malakas, sa gano’ng part ng defense pattern namin,” Reyes said.
“Kaya naco-compensate namin sa atake kasi hindi naman kami ganun katangkaraan. Pero marunong kaming pumalo,” he added.
Faida Bakanke top-scored for the Lady Tamaraws with 16 points, while Jean Asis contributed 12 markers in the losing effort./PN
