UST, NU dominate Easter Sunday matches in UAAP women’s volleyball

Easter Sunday brought more than reflection—it delivered clarity in the intensifying race to the Final Four of the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament. 

Inside the familiar walls of the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses protected their home court, wherein they were able to defeat in straight-sets the UE Lady Warriors 25-21, 26-24, 25-20. 

UST’s campaign continues to be anchored by Angge Poyos, who once again led with 17 points built on 14 attacks, two aces, and one block, while also contributing nine excellent digs and six receptions. Alongside her, Reg Jurado added 11 points, and playmaker Cassie Carballo kept the offense fluid with 17 excellent sets and three markers of her own.

But beyond the numbers, the Tigresses’ real edge has been intangible, the energy of their home crowd. UST remains unbeaten at the Pavilion this season, turning it into a fortress at a crucial point in the tournament.

Their next challenge comes against the Adamson Lady Falcons on April 11, a matchup that could further solidify or shake their Final Four aspirations.

On the other side, UE continues its search for answers. Despite flashes of promise from Khy Cepada, who delivered 17 points along with solid floor defense, and Bea Zamudio’s 12-point effort, the Lady Warriors remain stuck at the bottom, still trying to find cohesion as the season winds down. Their next test is the reigning powerhouse, NU Lady Bulldogs.

If the morning match was about defending ground, the afternoon clash was about asserting dominance.

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Here are the team standings in the #UAAPSeason88 Men’s and Women’s Volleyball Tournament after the games today, April 5, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.#StrengthInMotionHopeInAction pic.twitter.com/5q78d9n8Qj

— The UAAP (@uaap_official) April 5, 2026

NU showed why they remain the benchmark in the league, dispatching Adamson in straight sets, 25-20, 25-21, 25-21. The victory not only marked their second win in the second round but also secured their hold on the second spot by being alone and steady.

Team captain Vange Alinsug led with 15 points, showcasing both scoring and reception stability. Support came in waves from rookies Sam Cantada and Arah Panique who chipped in 12 points each, while middle blockers Chams Maaya and Alexa Mata quietly controlled the net with six points apiece.

For NU, it wasn’t just about winning—it was about depth. Every rotation looked composed, every player ready. That balance continues to separate them from the pack.

Adamson, meanwhile, finds itself at a crossroads. Now sitting at 6-5, just behind the fourth-seeded FEU, the Lady Falcons are still within striking distance—but slipping. 

Shaina Nitura carried the offensive load with a massive 23-point outing and 18 excellent receptions, but limited support from the rest of the squad proved costly.

Their upcoming clash with UST now carries even more weight—not just for redemption, but for survival in the Final Four race.

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