NO one gets off scot-free from the Golden Tigresses’ lair.
University of Santo Tomas fed off its home crowd and rolled to a 25-17, 25-17, 18-25, and 25-17 victory vs. not-so-friendly neighbor Far Eastern University in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball.
A packed Quadricentennial Pavilion turned gold on Palm Sunday, pushing its own team to a repeat win over the Lady Tamaraws - and more importantly, their fourth in their last five.
The result tightens the Final Four race even further, as UST forces a three-way tie for third with FEU and Adamson at 6-4.
That means all three teams are now just one game behind defending champion and 7-3 National U in second-place.
Angge Poyos led the way for the black-and-gold with 18 points, seven digs, and five receptions, with Reg Jurado right behind her with 16 points and six digs.
Jonna Perdido added 10 points and 11 receptions, while rookie Avril Bron chipped in 10 markers highlighted by four blocks.
“Lagi ko na lang sinasabi sa mga players na move forward na lang palagi kasi wala na tayong magagawa sa mga nangyari na,” said assistant coach Yani Fernandez.
“Itong [panalo] rin ‘yung band-aid namin sa standings sa ngayon.”
Gonna be golden
Down 13-14 in Set 1, the Golden Tigresses uncorked a Poyos-led 12-3 run, with back-to-back hits sealing the frame.
An error-plagued FEU stayed on the back foot in Set 2, as Poyos got support from Jurado for another quick finish.
The Lady Tams finally found their groove in Set 3, with Faida Bakanke sparking a 7-0 run before Lovely Lopez took over late to extend the match.
Poyos exited early in Set 4 due to apparent leg cramps, but returned after the second technical timeout.
From there, UST pulled away, with a Perdido ace stretching the lead to 10 at 23-13 before a Jurado drop shot sealed the win for the home side.
Bakanke put up 13 points on nine attacks and four blocks, with Lopez posting 11 points, four receptions and three digs.
Aly Devosora had seven points, with lead setter Tin Ubaldo surprisingly limited to just seven excellent sets.
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