MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses ousted University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons from Final Four contention with a 25-20, 25-21, 25-18 victory in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Angeline Poyos led the way with 19 points on 18 attacks and a service ace, to go with nine excellent digs and five excellent receptions, while Regina Jurado added 13 markers for the Golden Tigresses.
Mary Margaret Banagua finished with 12 points with eight blocks, which is three short of the UAAP record of 11 blocks by former Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles standout Madeleine Madayag.
UST’s victory confirms the Final Four lineup, which includes the National University Lady Bulldogs, the Golden Tigresses, De La Salle University Lady Spikers, and the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, with only the final seeding yet to be established.
Golden Tigresses head coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes said after the game that the week-long Holy Week break has allowed his players to recharge and recover from their minor injuries heading into the final stretch of the eliminations.
“Siyempre iba pa rin talaga ‘yung 100 percent ka na, na wala kang masyadong bitbit na masakit ang legs mo or something like that. We’re getting better na, nakakapagpahinga na sila ng maayos,” said Reyes after the game.
Niña Ytang finished with 16 points, on 13 attacks and three blocks, as the Fighting Maroons bowed out of Final Four contention after dropping to a 6-7 win-loss slate.
Meanwhile, the Lady Spikers overcame a tough stand by Adamson University Lady Falcons for a 25-19, 21-25, 22-25, 25-18, 15-4 victory.
Negrense Angel Canino top-scored for the Lady Spikers with 22 points on 20 attacks and two blocks, to go with 23 excellent receptions, Shevana Laput contributed 21 markers, and Ilongga Amie Provido ended with 15 points.
Shaina Nitura top-scored for Adamson with 35 points, Frances Mordi also hit double-digits with 14 points, including 10 attacks, as they dropped to a 5-8 win-loss card./PN
