UAAP: UST beats Adamson, extends win streak in women’s volleyball
Angge Poyos and the UST Golden Tigresses in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament. –UAAP PHOTO
University of Santo Tomas extended its winning streak to three after restraining Adamson, 25-21, 20-25, 25-13, 27-25, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Angge Poyos shone for the Tigresses anew with 21 points, all but one from kills, Regina Jurado backstopped her with 17 points and Pia Abbu contributed 10 points as the Golden Tigresses improved to a 3-1 record.
“I’m very satisfied, even though it went to four sets, because the players stuck to the game plan and fought with heart,” UST assistant coach Yani Fernandez said, filling in for coach KungFu Reyes for the third straight time. “Luckily, we got the win again.”
LIVE: UAAP Season 87 volleyball March 1 – UST vs Adamson, NU vs UE
Cassie Carballo, meanwhile, allowed Santo Tomas to move like a well-oiled machine with 20 excellent sets while captain Detdet Pepito guarded their floor with 13 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions.
The Lady Falcons managed to level the game at one set apiece with a great second set fight back before the Tigresses adjusted well to quickly recover.
Even if UST pulled away at times, Adamson was always ready to climb back up to even the score in the fourth frame. With a service error from Em Banagua, the Falcons came up with a 5-1 exchange to 23-22.
READ: UAAP: UST got its ‘grit’ back, says Pepito after repeat vs La Sale
Adamson still gained a leverage due to a crucial attack error by Beth Hilongo before Frances Mordi also had a mishap. Jurado blocked Mordi in the next play before Shaina Nitura’s deadly attack error sent from the back row landed on the net to end the two hour and seven minute clash.
“They were really tough opponents because we play the same style—we’re both smaller teams, not that tall,” Pepito said. “I’m also thankful for my teammates because we stuck to our game plan. It worked out, but we still have a long way to go.”
Adamson’s promising rookie Nitura still dropped 28 points, 26 from attacks and two aces in the Lady Falcons’ second loss in four games. Mordi also chipped in 13 points as Fhei Sagaysay distributed 19 excellent sets.
Nitura also showed her heart on the defense with 14 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions, the same output as libero Juris Manuel.
UST can make it a fourth consecutive victory when it battles University of the Philippines on Wednesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre before Adamson looks to bounce back facing Far Eastern U next Saturday in the same Pasay City venue.
