
By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses made quick work of the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 25-19, 25-16, 25-19, in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Saturday, March 9.
Rookie Angeline Poyos led the way with 26 points on 21 attacks, three service aces and two blocks as the Golden Tigresses kept their unbeaten record in five games.
Regina Jurado added 12 markers, including 10 attacks, one block and a service ace, while Jonna Perdido contributed eight points for the streaking Golden Tigresses.
The Golden Tigresses surged to an 8-2 start in the opening set, but consecutive reception errors allowed the Blue Eagles to cut it to 10-14.
UST pulled away anew at 18-10 on back-to-back aces by Bianca Plaza and never looked back.
The Golden Tigresses were blazing in the second frame as they established a 17-7 lead.
Errors by the Golden Tigresses allowed the Blue Eagles to cut it to 15-21 before Poyos and Gula conspired on consecutive attacks to take a 2-0 set edge.
The Golden Tigresses started strong anew in the third set for an 8-2 upperhand, and the Blue Eagles showed some fight to tie the score at 15-all.
Attacks from Mae Coronado, Poyos and Jurado allowed UST to close the game in three sets.
“Simple lang po ang instruction ni coach Kung Fu [Reyes], kung ano lang ‘yung ginagawa namin sa training na high intensity, dapat sa tunay na laro, ganon din ‘yung ikikilos,” UST assistant coach Lerma Giron said.
Lyann de Guzman was the lone double-digit scorer for the Blue Eagles with 11 points, all from attacks, as they dropped to a 1-4 win-loss record.
Meanwhile, the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws (3-3) returned to their winning ways after sweeping the Adamson University Lady Falcons (2-3), 25-13, 25-22, 25-17.
Faida Bakanke spearheaded the attack for the Lady Tamaraws with 14 points, including 13 attacks, while Chenie Tagaod and Gerzel Petallo chipped in 12 markers apiece./ASC, WDJ