UAAP volleyball: Bianca Plaza steps for UST with key middle blocker out

UST Tigresses’ Bianca Plaza in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Bianca Plaza stepped up in Em Banagua’s absence to help University of Santo Tomas clinch the first Final Four ticket in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday. 

Aside from Angge Poyos’ new career-high 31 points, Plaza was instrumental in UST’s bounce-back win as she had a perfect 6-of-6 attacking clip and the set-clinching ace in the third set.

The rookie middle blocker was eager to fill in the shoes left by Banagua, who was rested at the resumption of the second round along with fellow middle blockers Mae Coronado and Pia Abbu. 

READ: UAAP: UST wards off Adamson behind Poyos’ career-best, bags Final 4 slot

“Yung mindset ko naman po is bumawi po for Em kasi sinasabi niya sa amin na ‘Bigay niyo yung best niyo’,” said Plaza after their 22-25. 25-20, 26-24, 25-20 win over Adamson. “Of course, parang gusto ko rin mag-step up na gumanda rin yung galaw naming lahat kasi kulang kami.”

Plaza was glad to help the Tigresses, who are headed to the Final Four for the fourth straight season after their ninth win in 10 games.

“Since first time ko makapaglaro ng UAAP, sobrang happy ng feeling ko po na nakapasok kami ng Final Four. Always thankful ako sa teammates ko at coaches,” she said.

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Plaza has been the starting middle blocker with Banagua for UST this season after former middle blocker Imee Hernandez, who turned pro with Eya Laure.

UST will be gunning to secure one of the two twice-to-beat advantages in its last four games.