MANILA — University of Santo Tomas (UST) flexed its Final Four pedigree, overcoming a sshaky start before dismantling Far Eastern University (FEU), 16-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-16, to clinch the last UAAP Season 88 Women’s Volleyball Final Four berth on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Angeline Poyos powered the Golden Tigresses with a dominant 26-point performance built on 22 attacks and four blocks, while anchoring her all-around play with seven excellent receptions and four excellent digs.
Regina Jurado delivered a steady double-double of 11 points and 12 excellent digs, while Xyza Gula contributed nine points along with 11 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions to boost UST’s floor defense.
Cassie Carballo orchestrated the offense with 21 excellent sets, adding seven excellent digs and two points, while Bernadett Pepito anchored the backline with 18 excellent digs and 15 excellent receptions.
After conceding the opening set due to a sluggish start, the Golden Tigresses recalibrated their attack and imposed their tempo, overwhelming the Lady Tamaraws with superior net defense and sustained offensive pressure the rest of the way.
The victory extended UST’s remarkable run to six straight Final Four appearances dating back to Season 81 in 2019, reaffirming the program’s consistency as a perennial title contender.
UST now advances to the stepladder semifinals where it will face No. 3 seed Adamson University Lady Falcons, who held the upper hand against the Tigresses with two wins in the elimination round.
FEU, meanwhile, bowed out of contention and settled for fifth place, a step back after reaching the Final Four in the previous two seasons. Gerzel Petallo led the Lady Tamaraws with 14 points, while Clarisse Loresco added 11.
The match also marked the final collegiate appearance of veteran setter Tin Ubaldo, who finished with 15 excellent sets, five excellent digs, and three points to cap her career with the Lady Tamaraws./PN
