SAFE to say, España is back in business.
University of Santo Tomas delivered a statement 25-17, 25-18, 25-20 win over erstwhile streaking rival Far Eastern University in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
After a troubling 2-3 start, their worst since Season 80, the Golden Tigresses have now strung together back-to-back wins against rising contenders the University of the Philippines then the Lady Tamaraws, who came into the contest on a three-game unbeaten run.
From the bottom half of the table, UST suddenly surged into joint third-place alongside their victims at 4-3, firmly back in the Final Four hunt.
Angge Poyos continued her blistering run and further strengthened her case in the MVP race with 16 points, nine receptions, and four digs to lead the black-and-gold.
“Hindi biro si FEU. Talagang nag-iiba laro nila kapag UST kalaban, match talaga,” said assistant coach Yani Fernandez, as shot-caller Shaq Delos Santos rushed to the Filoil EcoOil Centre for Cignal's match with Capital1.
“Ni-remind lang namin ‘yung mga players na lahat ng ginawa sa training. Yung mga na-correct na, kailangan lumabas sa game.”
Clearly, it did.
The Golden Tigresses broke a tight 10-all deadlock in the opening set with a decisive 9-1 run and carried that momentum into the second frame to seize firm control of the match.
FEU briefly threatened to swing the tide in the third set after carving out a slim 14-12 lead midway through, but their hopes took a hit when Gerz Petallo went down with an apparent right arm issue late in the set and was forced to exit the game.
UST quickly regained the upper hand from there, with Reg Jurado, who tallied 10 points and eight digs, delivering the game-clinching hit.
Shell-shocked Lady Tams
Just when the Lady Tams appeared to have fought their way back into the Final Four race, an uncharacteristically flat outing halted their three-game surge.
Middle blocker Jaz Ellarina was the green-and-gold's lone double-digit scorer with 10 points. Faida Bakanke was limited to eight markers, while Aly Devosora added just four points along with seven receptions and five digs.
Skipper Petallo, for her part, wound up with nine points, 11 receptions, and six digs.
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