By Ardyn Gonzales
The University of Sto. Tomas Golden Tigresses ended their three-game losing streak after escaping the upset-conscious Adamson University Lady Falcons, 25-18, 25-23, 22-25, 25-27, 15-8, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament, Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Down 1-2 in the match, UST was tested by Adamson in the last stretch of the fourth frame with a 20-22 deficit before Reg Jurado came out clutch to spark a 7-3 run to steal the set and extend the match to a decider.
The Golden Tigresses then took advantage of the inexperience of the Lady Falcons, surging ahead in the fifth to a quick 8-3 lead through the heavy services of Cassie Carballo.
Shaina Nitura tried to carry Adamson on her back but UST was already in full control of the set with a huge cushion, 14-8. The blockers of Golden Tigresses already knew the play was going to Nitura in the last rally, putting up a block to stop the super rookie to complete the come-from-behind win.
The tandem of Angge Poyos and Jurado carried the scoring load for UST with 27 and 20 points, respectively, as the Golden Tigresses finally clinched their first win in the second round of eliminations.
However, the win was not without the challenge of surviving Nitura who almost broke her own scoring record with 36 points, which is now the second highest scoring output in the UAAP.
UST improved to a 6-4 record in the standings and is still in a good position for another Final Four appearance. Meanwhile, Adamson fell down to 3-7 and will need to win their remaining games to hope for at least a chance for a playoff to enter the semis.
Featured image courtesy of UAAP
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