By Ardyn Gonzales
University of Sto. Tomas Golden Tigresses overcame the return of Angel Canino as they turned back the De La Salle University Lady Spikers, 22-25, 25-23, 25-16, 25-15, in the UAAP Season 86 womens’ volleyball tournament, Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The Golden Tigresses spoiled the much-awaited comeback of Canino, completing an elimination round sweep against the defending champions in the battle for twice-to-beat bonus.
After losing the first set by a La Salle comeback, UST never looked back and pocketed the succeeding three sets, including the lopsided third and fourth frames.
In the fourth set, UST was up by a single point, 14-13 before they wreaked havoc with an 8-1 run and mounted a 22-14 separation.
Jonna Perdido and Angge Poyos joined forces down the stretch to extend the lead to match point, before Xyza Gula came out clutch with a timely service ace.
Leading rookie of the year candidate Poyos led UST with 22 points highlighted by team-high 18 attacks, while Perdido had another stellar performance against La Salle with 19 points.
Meanwhile, Shevana Laput tallied her UAAP career-high 26 points, backed up by the 13 points of returning Canino.
Just like in Season 85, UST will face La Salle in the semifinals but it’s the Golden Tigresses’ turn to have a twice-to-beat advantage.
Featured image courtesy of UAAP
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