UST’s Angge Poyos.–Photo from V-League
MANILA, Philippines — The University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses and Far Eastern University men’s volleyball team near the 2024 V-League Collegiate Challenge supremacy after winning Game 1 of their respective series on Sunday at Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Angge Poyos led UST’s balanced attack to sweep Far Eastern University, 25-22, 25-18, 25-14, in Game 1 of their best-of-three finals series.
Poyos, the UAAP Rookie of the Year, delivered the goods for the Tigresses with 15 points. Regina Jurado chipped in 11 points. Jonna Perdido added 10 points, while Cassie Carballo anchored their dominant win with 15 excellent sets.
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“Nung first set kasi down by three or basta malaki lamang nila kaya matagal kaming naka-recover. Kaya ang in-emphasize namin sa kanila is huwag kaming titigil hangga’t hindi pumipito yung ref,” said UST coach Kungfu Reyes, who remain unbeaten in nine games.
“Talagang ine-ensayo namin ‘yang ganyang skills. Yung defense pattern namin, nako-compensate namin sa atake. Hindi kami ganoong katangkaran pero marunong naman kaming pumalo. Well-compensated na ‘pag na-rebound namin ‘yung bola, for sure aatakihin namin ‘yung last action namin.”
The Lady Tamaraws faced setbacks in the second set as Petallo suffered cramps, and team captain Tin Ubaldo endured an awkward fall, resulting in her being wheeled off the court just before the match concluded.
FEU leaned on Jean Asis and Gerz Petallo, who had nine and eight points, respectively.
FEU Tamaraws’ Dryx Saavedra in Game 1 of the V-League finals.–Photo from V-League
In the men’s division, Dryx Saavedra poured in 19 points off 16 attacks and three blocks as FEU overcame defending champion La Salle, 25-22, 25-20, 18-25, 25-19.
Lirick Mendoza dominated the middle with 13 points including the clutch blocks, while rookie Mikko Espartero added 11, displaying composure in the final set.
READ: FEU, UST women’s and men’s teams near V-League finals
“Yung mga mali lang siguro sa actual match, ‘pag dating sa ensayo, pinagfo-focus-an namin ‘yung mga bagay na alam namin kung saan kami mahina. At the same time, kung saan kami malakas, ‘yun rin ‘yung key para kami bumangon,” said FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo.
“Given na pipilitin ng La Salle na makuha ‘yung third set. Siguro hindi rin nawala sa mentality ng players ‘yon, pero hindi dapat gan’on. Sabi nga, finish stronger.”
La Salle committed 13 of its 31 errors in the fourth set as Yong Mendoza’s 13 points went for naught. Chris Hernandez and Rui Ventura had 10 and nine points, respectively.
UST and FEU seek to close out their respective series on Wednesday at the same venue in Pasig City.