By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Junior Golden Tigresses prevailed over the University of the Philippines-Integrated School (UPIS) Junior Fighting Maroons, 25-20, 25-13, in the 2025 Shakey’s Girls Volleyball Invitational League Rising Stars Cup Division 1 at the La Salle Green Hills Gym on Thursday, May 29.

Negrense Kimberly Rubin spearheaded the offense with 13 points, built on nine attacks and four service aces, for the Junior Golden Tigresses, improving to a 2-0 win-loss record in Pool D.

Aneeza Santos and Ryzel Laag added five markers each for the Junior Golden Tigresses, who will next face their fellow undefeated squad, the Far Eastern University (FEU)-Diliman Lady Baby Tamaraws.

“Ito na rin ang preparation natin sa UAAP,” UST assistant coach Lerma Giron said after the win.

“Makikita natin kung ano pa ‘yung kulang. From there, ‘yun ang magiging base namin sa mga bagay na kailangan naming i-adjust,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Lady Baby Tamaraws defeated the St. John’s Institute (SJI)-Bacolod Falcons, 25-21, 25-20.

Ifunanya Udeagbala powered FEU with 13 points, including 12 attacks.

SJI dropped to a 0-2 win-loss record tied with UPIS.

Defending champion Adamson University Lady Baby Falcons bounced back from an opening day shocker after venting their ire at the University of Perpetual Help System Dalta, 25-4, 25-12, in Pool A.

In Pool B, Bethel Academy survived debuting Holy Rosary College, 26-24, 18-25, 25-21, for a 1-1 slate.

Eunice Suamer and Joanne Reducto scored 11 and 10 points, respectively, for the Bethelites.

Meanwhile, King’s Montessori School rebounded from a sorry loss in their first outing with a 25-16, 25-12 drubbing of Corpus Christi School in Pool C./ASC, WDJ