By Ardyn Gonzales
The University of Sto. Tomas Golden Tigresses are now at third spot after sweeping the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 25-15, 26-24, 26-24, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament, Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Following a dominating first set, UST needed to dig deep to escape Ateneo from a deuce in two extended frames.
The Golden Tigresses were down by two in the second set, 22-24, before Angge Poyos and Marga Altea sparked a 4-0 run to snatch the lead from the Blue Eagles. After getting set point, Poyos took advantage and unleashed a strong crosscourt attack for a 2-0 advantage.
In the third, it was Ateneo’s turn to force a 24-all deadlock but Poyos once again saved UST to reach match point. A crucial block by Carballo on Ateneo sealed the win for the Golden Tigresses.
Poyos led UST with 16 points, supported by the 10 markers of Reg Jurado. Adjusting Altea as a middle blocker seemed to have paid off, adding 10 points of her own built on seven attacks and team-high three kill blocks.
The Golden Tigresses are now tied with FEU at the third spot, and will have to win their remaining games to have another shot at a twice-to-beat advantage.
Meanwhile, AC Miner carried Ateneo with 13 points as they lost their seventh game, putting them on the brink of missing another Final Four appearance.
Featured image courtesy of UAAP
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