By Ardyn Gonzales
History repeats itself as the University of Sto. Tomas Lady Tigresses once again handed the defending champions De La Salle University Lady Spikers their first loss in the elimination round, 25-18, 25-23, 14-25, 16-25, 15-12, in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
With a 2-0 edge in the match, UST struggled in the next two sets as La Salle displayed championship form with Angel Canino, Thea Gagate, and Em Provido firing in all cylinders to force a rubber set.
Momentum seemed to have stayed with La Salle at the start of the fifth set, 8-3. But the tandem of Angeline Poyos and Jonna Perdido teamed up and forced an 8-all deadlock.
Canino quickly responded and sparked a run of their own and built a crucial 12-9 lead.
However, Poyos had other plans as she sparked a stunning 6-0 run for UST to win the match and prevent a reverse sweep. It was history repeating itself as last season, a 6-0 run led by Eya Laure also defeated the Lady Spikers.
Perdido tallied her UAAP career-high with 24 points on 21 attacks and three kill blocks. Poyos also had an impressive performance with 22 points, while team captain Detdet Pepito dished out 12 excellent digs and 18 excellent receptions.
Reigning MVP Canino carried La Salle with 28 points. The duo of Gagate and Provide also connived for 20 markers.
After defeating last year’s finalists, UST remains undefeated with a 3-0 record and La Salle falls down to 2-1.
Featured image courtesy of UAAP
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