By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses overcame the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers, 25-12, 22-25, 13-25, 25-23, 15-13, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday night, February 26.
Negrense setter Cassie Carballo showcased her efficient playmaking skills to finish with 22 excellent sets along with two points as the Golden Tigresses secured their second straight victory for a 2-1 win-loss slate.
Angeline Poyos led the Golden Tigresses with 28 points, built on 24 attacks, three blocks and one service ace, to go with 16 excellent digs and six excellent receptions.
Regina Jurado and Margaret Altea have 17 and 10 points, respectively.
After trailing 3-7 early in the fifth and deciding set, the Golden Tigresses slowly clawed their way back courtesy of conversions from Poyos, Jurado and Pia Abbu to tie the score at 11-all.
A crucial attack error by Lady Spikers star Angel Canino, followed by a drop ball from Altea, allowed the Golden Tigresses to take a 13-11 lead.
However, DLSU narrowed the gap to 12-13 with a point from Shevana Laput.
Jurado then executed a drop ball to bring UST to match point at 14-12, but a serving error by her teammate Bianca Plaza momentarily halted their momentum.
Ultimately, UST secured the victory following a double contact violation by Pia Rodriguez.
“Sa game na ito, ipinakita lang namin kung ano talaga kami,” Poyos said in a post-game interview.
“‘Yung composure sa loob ng court and communication ang nagdala sa laro, ‘yun ‘yung pinaka-importante talaga,” she said.
“Nawala man kami nung second and third set, bumalik lang kami sa sistema at nagtiwala sa isa’t isa,” the UAAP Season 86 Rookie of the Year added.
Canino top-scored for the Lady Spikers with 25 points from 21 attacks, three service aces and one block, while Laput and Amie Provido contributed 18 and 10 points, respectively.
They fell to a 1-2 record.
Meanwhile, rookie Shaina Nitura showcased another efficient scoring game as the Adamson University Lady Falcons swept the University of the East Lady Warriors, 25-20, 25-15, 25-12.
She finished with a game-high of 18 points./ASC, WDJ