UST Tigresses against the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
University of Santo Tomas extended its winning streak to five in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament after making quick work of Ateneo, 25-20, 25-23, 25-21, on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“We’re thankful because this is the first time we won in straight sets,” assistant coach Yani Fernandez speaking on behalf of coach KungFu Reyes said.
Angge Poyos and Regina Jurado continue to spearhead Santo Tomas after dropping 19 and 14 points, respectively.
READ: UAAP: Determined to help UST, Reg Jurado shines as offense threat
Pia Abbu had her hand in the win with a career-best 13 points as Cassie Carballo tossed 17 excellent sets to help lift the Tigresses to an improved 5-1 card at No. 2, just behind top seed and undefeated National University.
“All thanks to our coaches who have been very patient with us during training, guiding us individually and by department in our skills. The credit for our performance today truly goes to them,” Abbu said.
The Blue Eagles looked good with an immediate 4-10 opening salvo but the Tigresses refused to fall prey using an 11-3 run as Carballo tied set 1 with an ace and eventually took the frame.
READ: UAAP: UST Tigresses stay hot, turn back UP for fourth straight win
Ateneo lost another cog in Sobe Buena mwho hurt her right knee after a bad landing at the 21-15 mark.
“Sad for our part because of Ateneo’s injury, so hopefully, Buena will be okay. Our prayers are for her,” Fernandez said.
In the third frame, UST squandered an early lead as Ateneo put on a 7-3 run for a tie at 12 all even gained leads throughout the stretch. An Alexia Montoro service error gave the lead back to UST for good before Bianca Plaza nailed an ace, 20-18.
Poyos and Jurado starred in a 3-0 run to move Santo Tomas closer to the victory. Abbu hammered a quick hit as Lyann de Guzman sneaked a cross-court hit. Jurado ended the match by stopping an attack by Montoro.
AC Miner paced Ateneo with 13 points while De Guzman added 11 points. The Blue Eagles suffered its fourth loss in five games behind the back-to-back losses.
UST wraps its first round schedule with a Finals rematch of last season facing the defending champion Lady Bulldogs next Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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Ateneo meets rival La Salle on Wednesday, still at MoA Arena.
