AT long last, the España train picks up steam.
University of Santo Tomas barged into the win column at Ateneo’s expense, 26-24, 25-18, 25-21, in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
After absorbing back-to-back losses to Season 87 finalists National U and La Salle, the Golden Tigresses regrouped and capitalized on a still-winless Blue Eagles side to secure an overdue breakthrough.
“Magiging inspiration sa’min itong first win namin at malaking tulong siyempre coming from two losses. I believe mas babawi pa kami sa mga susunod na games namin,” said head coach Shaq delos Santos.
J-UST do it
Despite sitting at the bottom of the standings, Ateneo pushed UST early, turning the opening set into a tight tug-of-war.
Trailing 21-22, Yssa Nisperos sparked a late blue-and-white surge to force a 24-all deadlock, but her attack error in the closing stretch handed the extended opener to Espana.
The momentum briefly shifted at the start of the second frame, as the Blue Eagles stormed to a 7-1 lead.
But Marga Altea ignited the Golden Tigresses' comeback, helping swing the advantage at 13-12 before they unleashed a decisive 12-5 run to seize a commanding two-set lead.
The black-and-gold maintained control in the third set, with Angge Poyos delivering the finishing touches. The star spiker powered the attack with 21 points built on 19 attacks, one block, and one ace, while Reg Jurado provided steady support with 12 points and 12 digs.
Xyza Gula chipped in seven markers, and Altea added eight points, including three blocks, as UST completed the straight-sets victory.
Ateneo, meanwhile, continued to struggle despite flashes of resistance. Ana Hermosura stood out with eight points and 10 digs, while Donna de Leon paced the scoring with 10 markers.
Zey Pacia added eight points, and J.Lo delos Santos finished with four points, eight digs, and seven receptions.
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