Rising star Mikee Santos ignites La Salle as UST breaks through in UAAP Women’s Volleyball

Thrown into the deep end in just her third UAAP game, rookie opposite spiker Mikee Santos didn’t just rise to the game—she set the court ablaze. 

With starting duties handed to her in place of an under-the-weather Shevana Laput, Santos turned pressure into performance, scoring double digits for the first time as De La Salle University overwhelmed a previously unbeaten University of the Philippines squad.

The Lady Spikers dominated in straight sets, 25-12, 25-15, 25-19, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, with Santos contributing 10 points on 8-of-18 spikes and two blocks. 

She joined teammates Angel Canino (12 points), Shane Reterta (11), and Amie Provido (11) in double figures, proving that La Salle’s depth is as potent as ever.

Meanwhile, University of Santo Tomas finally found its stride, rebounding from two consecutive losses to secure its first win of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament.

The Golden Tigresses overcame Ateneo de Manila University in a competitive 26-24, 25-18, 25-21 victory. Angge Poyos led the charge with 21 points on 19-of-39 attacks, complemented by a block and an ace, demonstrating her Season 86 Rookie of the Year form from start to finish.

“After fifteen years, coming back to coach the Golden Tigresses and seeing the team respond the way they did today is very satisfying,” said coach Shaq delos Santos.

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The match swung dramatically in the second set. The Blue Eagles surged to a 7-1 lead early, later extending it to 12-7, but UST responded with an 18-6 run to seize the set, showcasing resilience and teamwork. 

Ateneo’s Dona De Leon scored 10 points, while fellow rookie Ana Hermosura added eight points and 10 digs. Despite a strong opening weekend, JLo Delos Santos struggled, managing just four points on a 4-of-39 spiking clip.

Looking ahead, UST will host University of the East at the Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena on Saturday for a homecoming match that marks their first competitive outing at the venue beyond exhibition games. 

Meanwhile, Ateneo faces La Salle in a highly anticipated 1:00 PM matinee clash at the Big Dome on Sunday, a rivalry that promises sparks on and off the court.

The UAAP season is already shaping into a showcase of rising talent and renewed rivalries, with rookies like Santos proving that experience is valuable, but hunger and timing can turn a player into a game-changer overnight.

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