By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Cassie Carballo had another efficient setting game as the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses dethroned the College of St. Benilde Lady Blazers, 25-23, 25-15, 25-20, in Game 2 of the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge semifinals at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The Negros Occidental’s Silay City native Carballo finished with 13 excellent sets to go with two points as the Golden Tigresses finished off their best-of-three semifinal series, 2-0.

Angeline Poyos led the way with 16 points, including 14 attacks, Regine Jurado contributed 12 markers and nine excellent digs, while Jonna Perdido and Em Banagua delivered 11 points apiece for UST.

“Nag-stick lang doon sa sistema. Malinis na ‘yung galaw, ‘yung maturity little by little, nagagawan na ng paraan,” UST head coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes said.

“‘Yung harmony ng team nandoon, ‘yung mga different tasks nila nafu-fulfill, so magandang indication kung bakit nga kami nasa finals. Nagagawan namin ng paraan [after every error],” he added.

Rhea Mae Densing paced the dethroned champion Lady Blazers with 12 points, while Wielyn Estoque added 11 markers and seven excellent digs.

Meanwhile, the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws made their way back to the finals after sweeping the University of the East Lady Warriors in Game 2 of the semifinals, 25-20, 25-19, 25-21.

The Lady Tamaraws controlled the first two sets but nearly faltered in the third frame after seeing their 16-8 advantage cut to 16-18 by a furious Lady Warriors’ run behind Nahomie Mpata, Casiey Dongallo and Riza Nogales.

However, Lady Tamaraws’ Lovely Lopez delivered timely conversions to stretch their advantage to 21-16 before they later completed the victory with consecutive connections.

Chenie Tagaod led the Lady Tamaraws’ offense with 18 points and 11 excellent digs, while Faida Bakanke and Jean Asis each added nine points, with Asis delivering eight kills./ASC, WDJ