University of Sto. Tomas opened their UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball campaign with a stunning sweep.
The Golden Tigresses surged past National University, 25-19, 25-23, 25-22, on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Playmaker Cassie Carballo delivered 20 of UST’s 22 excellent sets. She also contributed six points that were built on four aces and two blocks. Captain and libero Detdet Pepito also starred for UST, tallying 16 digs and going 12-of-17 on her receptions.
Ange Poyos topscored for the Tigresses with 16 markers, 13 came from attacks and three from blocks, while Reg Jurado and Jonna Perdido had 12 each.
“Medyo ano, dun sa result ng laro nagulat ako. Pero doon sa nilaro nila, hindi ako nagugulat dun kasi ganun kami mag-ensayo. Talagang ano lang, maganda yung gising namin, A-game,” said Golden Tigresses head coach Kung Fu Reyes.
After already falling in the opener, the Lady Bulldogs were actually able to create a 17-15 advantage in the second and were poised to even the game at one set apiece.
UST, however, scored three straight points, all of which came from blocks, and this propelled the Tigers to win the second set and go up 2-0.
It was the same story in the final frame, as when the Golden Tigresses were only up a point, Poyos hit an off-the-block attack, and this opened a three-to-nothing spurt that gave them a 20-16 advantage late in the game.
The Lady Bulldogs were able to get as close as one, 22-21, but that was the nearest that they could get as they now stand at 0-1.
Spearheading NU’s offensive was Alyssa Solomon after she had 16 points, 14 coming from attacks and two from blocks. Vange Alinsug, on the other hand, finished with 11.
Former rookie-MVP Bella Belen was limited to nine points to go with her 17 digs and nine receptions.
The Golden Tigresses’ next game will be on Wednesday, February 21, 4 PM against the University of the East at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Meanwhile, the Lady Bulldogs are hoping to enter the win column when they face Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday, February 24, at 4 PM at the MOA Arena.
