GAMES SATURDAY
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
1 p.m.– Ateneo vs. UE
3 p.m.– FEU vs. La Salle
UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas sealed the Final Four picture in the 87th UAAP women’s volleyball tournament after the Golden Tigresses eliminated gutsy University of the Philippines in straight sets yesterday 25-20, 25-21, 25-18 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Outside spiker Angge Poyos delivered 19 points, nine digs and five excellent receptions, opposite hitter Regine Jurado added 13, while middle blocker Em Banagua scored 12 markers on a career-high eight blocks and four hits as the Golden Tigresses returned to the semifinals for the fifth straight season since 2019.
UST’s victory, its ninth in 12 games, paved the way for De La Salle University (8-4) and Far Eastern University (8-5) to make it to the playoffs, completing the Final Four with top-seeded and reigning champion National University.
This was La Salle’s 15th consecutive semifinal appearance while FEU made it back-to-back playoffs.
“Those preparations (during the Holy Week), malaking help kasi nga mga sore na rin iyong muscles ng mga player namin. At least, naka-recover sila. Then, towards this game, well-prepared naman kami physically, mentally, and ayun na nga iyong spiritually nadagdagan pa so mas tumaas iyong confidence level in a way na talagang magpeperform sila,” UST mentor Kungfu Reyes said.
UST shut down UP’s Final Four hopes through its lethal attacks, coming up with 44 total hits and showing defensive prowess at the net with 12 total kill blocks.
In the final frame, the Golden Tigresses continued their hot spiking and zoomed to a 7-1 lead before making it 9-10 on a quick hit from Banagua.
A net touch violation by UP took UST to match point 24-17 and southpaw Maribeth Hilongo wrapped up the match with a cross-court attack.
The win was a big moral boost for the Espana-based crew, who will take on National U on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum for the final day of elimination.
“May pag-asang manalo kasi wala pang naglalaro. So ayun ang gagawin namin, just stick to the plan, back to the hard court and we will execute everything kung anong meron kami. Iyon naman ang importante,” said Reyes ahead of their duel against NU.
Veteran middle blocker Nina Ytang was the lone Fighting Maroon with a double-digit outing of 16 points, 13 off attacks and three kill blocks.
