UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas rose to solo third - at the moment, at least - with a 25-21, 26-24, 25-20 romp over University of the East in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball on Easter Sunday.
The Golden Tigresses came alive anew on home court, stringing together back-to-back wins at the Quadricentennial Pavilion to break a three-way tie and climb to 7-4.
The black-and-gold has now won five of its last six and nine of its last 11, sustaining its revival at a crucial time, as the Final Four race heads into the homestretch.
Angge Poyos made another strong case for the MVP award with an all-around 17 points, nine digs, and six receptions.
UE fight
“Marami pa talagang dapat ayusin, especially ‘yung disiplina,” said assistant coach Lerma Giron, though. “Tinyaga lang talaga namin. ‘Yun lang sinasabi namin sa players, tiyagain.”
Indeed, a persevering Lady Warriors side didn’t yield its 25th straight loss without a fight, racing to a strong start and even winning four challenges in the opening stretch of Set 1.
But that early spark faded, as UST caught fire to take the first frame, then rolled to an 11-3 start in the second.
UE threatened to extend the set, saving nine set points from 15-24 down, but a Shania Olmoguez service error followed by an Avril Bron kill block shut the door.
That would be the red-and-white's last straw, as Poyos and Reg Jurado, who had 11 points and nine digs, made sure the Golden Tigresses would be able to protect home ground once and for all to finish the match in straight sets.
Khy Cepada continued to play hero ball for the Lady Warriors with 17 points and seven digs, which were still not enough to end their slump with three games left in the season.
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