By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses overpowered the College of St. Benilde (CSB) Lady Blazers with a dominant 25-20, 25-16, 25-13 victory in Game 1 of the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge semifinals at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Negros Occidental’s Silay City native Cassie Carballo finished with 15 excellent sets to go with four points, including two service aces, to be named Player of the Game as the Golden Tigresses drew first blood in the best-of-three semis series.

Angeline Poyos spearheaded the UST offense with 14 points on 10 attacks, two blocks and two service aces, while Jonna Perdido and Regina Jurado contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively.

The Golden Tigresses showcased their potent offense, especially in the third set, where the trio of Poyos, Jurado and Perdido accounted for 17 attacks in the set, while the Lady Blazers were held to just seven attacks.

“Pinaghandaan talaga namin nang maigi itong Benilde, kasi last time umabot kami sa decision, sa fifth set. So, ‘yung mga lapses namin that time, pinolish talaga namin,” Golden Tigresses assistant coach Yani Fernandez said.

“Lahat ng tendencies ng St. Benilde, inaral namin, pinag-aralan, dinemo, ni-run through, kaya maganda naman talaga ‘yung in-expect naming kalalabasan sa game na ito,” he added.

The Golden Tigresses, which are still undefeated in the pre-season tournament, will look to close out their semifinal series with the Lady Blazers at the same venue on Sunday afternoon, September 22.

Mary Grace Borromeo finished with 10 points from nine kills and a block; Zam Nolasco and Mycah Go contributed eight and six points, respectively, for the reigning NCAA champion Lady Blazers.

Meanwhile, the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws also secured a series-opener win over the University of the East Lady Warriors in straight sets, 25-21, 25-15 and 25-20./ASC, WDJ