The scoring punch of Angge Poyos and Reg Jurado fueled a much-needed response from the UST Golden Tigresses as they turned back the UP Fighting Maroons women’s volleyball team in four sets, 16-25, 25-13, 25-19, 25-20, in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament action Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Still reeling from a straight-sets defeat to the Adamson Lady Falcons days earlier, UST leaned heavily on its offensive tandem to halt the slide and regain its rhythm in the tournament.
Poyos spearheaded the charge with 24 points while contributing on the floor with seven digs and six receptions. Jurado complemented her teammate with 16 points as the Tigresses steadied themselves after dropping the opening set and eventually seized control of the match.
The win lifted UST to its third victory in six outings, with Jurado commending the team’s response after the previous setback.
Support also came from Jonna Perdido, who added 13 points along with steady floor defense, while Julia Balingit chipped in four points at crucial moments. Setter Cassie Carballo orchestrated the offense with 18 excellent sets while also contributing a point and three digs.
UST’s composure late in the fourth set proved decisive. Protecting a slim advantage, the Tigresses strung together three straight points courtesy of Balingit, Perdido and Avril Bron to widen the gap and put the match out of reach.
OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.
Although service miscues from both sides briefly halted the momentum, the Tigresses maintained their edge long enough to secure the bounce-back victory.
For UP, Niña Ytang delivered 14 points while Jelai Gajero added 12 markers. Their efforts, however, could not prevent the Fighting Maroons from absorbing their second straight defeat and third loss in their last four games.
Earlier in the day, the De La Salle Lady Spikers preserved their perfect record, surviving a gritty challenge from Adamson in a five-set thriller, 19-25, 25-20, 25-21, 13-25, 15-5.
Shevana Laput delivered a career-best 26 points built on 19 attacks, six blocks and a service ace, while Angel Canino added 19 points along with all-around contributions on defense and reception.
The Lady Spikers struggled to establish rhythm early but rediscovered their form in the deciding frame. Holding a narrow 7-5 advantage, La Salle unleashed a dominant finishing run, scoring eight unanswered points capped by consecutive attacks from Shane Reterta to seal their sixth consecutive victory.
Despite committing more errors than Adamson, La Salle still managed to keep its unbeaten campaign intact, having dropped just three sets throughout the season so far.
Adamson drew strong performances from Frances Mordi, who poured in 22 points, and Shaina Nitura, who finished with 21 points to go along with solid reception and defensive numbers.
However, the Lady Falcons struggled to generate consistent offense in the deciding set, allowing the Lady Spikers to pull away and escape with the victory.
Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!
Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!