By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses secured a stunning straight-set victory, defeating the National University Lady Bulldogs, 25-19, 25-23, 25-22, in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday, February 18.
Negrense Cassie Carballo earned the Player of the Game title with her impressive performance, contributing 20 excellent sets and six points, including four service aces and two blocks, leading the Golden Tigresses to a successful start to the season.
Angeline Poyos spearheaded the offense with 16 points. Jonna Perdido and Regine Jurado chipped in 12 markers apiece, while Mary Banagua contributed 10 points for the Golden Tigresses.
Golden Tigresses head coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes said he was not surprised with his team’s dominant performance, but was stunned that they were able to finish the Lady Bulldogs in straight sets.
“Practice makes permanent eh. Ganun na ‘yung nangyayari sa amin ngayon. So again, doon sa nilaro namin, hindi na ako nagulat, doon lang sa resulta,” Reyes said in a post-game interview.
“Medyo ano, dun sa result ng laro nagulat ako. Pero doon sa nilaro nila, hindi ako nagugulat dun kasi ganun kami mag-ensayo. Talagang ano lang, maganda ‘yung gising namin, A-game,” he added.
Alyssa Solomon paced the Lady Bulldogs with 16 points on 14 attacks and two blocks. Evangeline Alinsug had 11 points, while Mhicaela Belen struggled with just nine points in the defeat.
Meanwhile, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws also had a winning debut following a 25-23, 25-21, 25-18 straight set domination over the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.
Gerzel Petallo seized the spotlight, scoring a game-high 16 points on 12 attacks and four blocks, while Chenie Tagaod backstopped her with 12 points on 12 attacks to go along with four excellent receptions for the Manolo Refugia-mentored FEU.
“Itong first game ang magiging basehan namin, parang buwelo papunta sa mga susunod pang games. So nate-test ‘yung chemistry namin, ‘yung pinag-trainingan namin ng ilang buwan, ‘yung relationship namin ng girls,” Refugia said./ASC, WDJ