By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses stayed perfect in the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge after a 25-14, 25-19, 24-26, 25-19 victory over the University of the East (UE) Red Lady Warriors in the Paco Arena in Manila on Sunday, August 4.

Negrense Cassie Carballo displayed her efficient ball distribution to finish with 14 excellent sets to go with five points to be named Player of the Game as the Golden Tigresses improved to a 2-0 win-loss slate.

Stephanie Bien Arasan and Regina Jurado led the Golden Tigresses with 12 points each.

Angeline Poyos added nine markers, while Francine Osis, Jonna Perdido and Banagua had eight points each.

After failing to close out the Lady Red Warriors in the third set, the Golden Tigresses were engaged in a tight battle in the fourth frame with the score tied at 17-all before they pulled away to a 21-18 lead behind Banagua and Arasan.

The Lady Warriors still threatened within 19-22 following a Golden Tigresses’ service error, but three consecutive errors from them allowed UST to secure the hard-earned victory.

“Syempre maganda kasi nanalo kami. Magandang experience para sa mga rookies. Pero ayun nga, nakikita pa rin namin ‘yung mga sakit, mga on-off ng player, but still, it’s a good game, big game para sa amin kasi grabe ‘yung depensa ng UE,” UST head coach Kungfu Reyes said.

Khy Cepada tallied 17 points and 11 excellent digs, while Jenalyn Umayam and Kayce Balingit chipped in 13 and 11 points, respectively, as the Lady Warriors dropped to a 1-1 record./ASC, WDJ