By Ardyn Gonzales
The University of Sto. Tomas Lady Tigresses stunned and swept last year’s silver medalists National University Lady Bulldogs, 25-19, 25-23, 25-22, in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
After a lopsided first set, National U attempted to bounce back in the succeeding sets but UST’s grit and perseverance prevailed in the last stretches.
Up 24-23 in the second frame, the Lady Tigresses prevented an extended set after a combination play for Jonna Perdido in the middle.
In the third set, NU was trailing by just two points, 24-22, hoping for an extension but a clutch drop shot by Reg Jurado completed the sweep.
UST started the post-Eya Laure era on a winning note, with newly minted team captain Det Pepito leading the team with 16 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions. NU did not tally any service aces against the Lady Tigresses as they had a team-wide 43% reception success rate.
Four Lady Tigresses finished in double digits in just three sets led by Angeline Poyos with 16 points. Jurado and Perdido were not far behind with 12 points each, followed by Em Banagua with 10.
Meanwhile, Alyssa Solomon was the lone bright spot for NU with 16 points as Bella Belen got held down to just nine by the strong defense by UST.
Featured image courtesy of UAAP
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