By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses recovered from a set down to defeat the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws, 24-26, 25-20, 25-21, 25-14, to claim the 2024 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge title at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City.

Negrense Cassie Carballo was adjudged as the finals MVP after tallying 19 excellent sets and five points as the Golden Tigresses clinched the crown by winning the best-of-three series, 2-1.

Angeline Poyos returned from a one-game absence to lead the way for the Golden Tigresses with 31 points, while Regina Jurado and Jonna Perdido added 15 and 10, respectively.

This was the Golden Tigresses’ seventh V-League Women’s volleyball championship overall and first since 2010, when the team was led by Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Rhea Dimaculangan and Maika Ortiz.

After losing the opening set, the Golden Tigresses started strong in the second frame, but the Lady Tamaraws kept the match close at 17-all before UST pulled away late behind Poyos, Jurado and Marga Altea.

In the third set, it was the Lady Tamaraws who gained the early lead before the Golden Tigresses rallied back and took a 22-18 advantage en route to taking a 2-1 set lead.

The Golden Tigresses surged to an 18-9 lead in the fourth set before the Lady Tamaraws threatened to within 12-20 before Poyos, Jurado and Altea took turns on the offensive end to complete the win.

Faida Bakanke top-scored for the Lady Tamaraws with 16 points, while Jean Asis contributed 12 markers in the losing effort./ASC, WDJ