By Ardyn Gonzales
The University of Sto. Tomas Golden Tigresses extended their winning streak over the De La Salle University Lady Spikers with another five-set victory, 25-12, 22-25, 13-25, 25-23, 15-13, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament, Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
After sweeping all their matches against La Salle last season, UST picked up where they left off to continue their mastery over the Lady Spikers behind the 28-point performance of reigning Rookie of the Year Angge Poyos.
The Golden Tigresses dominated La Salle in the opening set and banked on their momentum in the second frame with an 18-12 lead. However, Angel Canino and Shevana Laput slowly found their rhythm to rally La Salle with a 6-0 run and eventually stole the set from UST.
The botched lead seemed to have affected the Golden Tigresses as they were completely stunned in a third-set meltdown, losing the set with a double-digit disadvantage.
In the fourth set, UST almost wasted another five-point lead when La Salle was able to tie the match at 19-all. Both teams exchanged series of runs to reach a 23-all deadlock, until Poyos and Reg Jurado connived with back-to-back points to force a decider.
The Golden Tigresses saw themselves down again in the fifth set, 3-7, but after a timeout, UST took it one point at a time to take over the lead, 12-11. Well-placed shots from Marga Altea and Jurado put UST at match point, then La Salle committed a crucial error to surrender the match to the Golden Tigresses.
Poyos tallied 24 attacks, three kill blocks, a service ace, and 16 excellent receptions, while Jurado provided the much-needed support with 17 points. Team captain Detdet Pepito anchored the floor defense with 16 excellent digs and receptions.
Meanwhile, the Lady Spikers suffered their second defeat this season despite the MVP performance from Angel Canino who paced La Salle with 25 points.
Featured image courtesy of UAAP
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