IN a heated two-way race for the fourth and final playoff berth, the edge now belongs to University of Santo Tomas.
The Golden Tigresses put themselves in prime position for the No. 4 spot with a 23-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-19 triumph over also-ran University of the Philippines in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The victory carried massive implications, as UST improved to 8-5 and complicated matters further for 7-6 Far Eastern University.
Angge Poyos powered the black-and-gold with a 25-point, 11-dig double-double, while Reg Jurado added 17 points and eight digs.
Jonna Perdido also made an impact off the bench with 13 points, as captain Detdet Pepito anchored the floor with 18 digs and 13 receptions to steady the Golden Tigresses after an early Fighting Maroons surge.
“Alam natin na super importante ‘to for our campaign sa Final Four dahil ito ‘yung band-aid pansamanatala sa standings,” said assistant coach Yani Fernandez.
“Kaya sinabi namin sa mga bata na bakit hindi pa natin iga-grab ‘tong opportunity na ’to?”
UST controls what it can control
As it stands, a UST win over National U on Wednesday secures a Final Four spot, regardless of the Lady Tamaraws' result against Ateneo on the same day.
The Golden Tigresses, however, had to recover from a shaky start in this one.
They blew a 15-11 lead in the opener after a Kianne Olango ace sparked a 15-all tie. State U took advantage late, as Irah Jaboneta pushed them to set point at 24-22, and despite an Avril Bron quick-attack save, Nina Ytang hammered the finishing blow.
Jurado and Co. responded in the next two sets, closing Set 2 strong and carrying that momentum into the third set to seize the match lead.
With their Final Four hopes hanging in the balance, Poyos took charge down the stretch before Jurado delivered the finishing hits in the fourth frame to secure the crucial win.
UP still had five players in double-figures, led by Ytang’s 19 points in her swan song.
Jaboneta added 16 points and 11 digs, while Jelai Gajero wrapped up her first season with 10 markers.
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