By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses will be heading to the UAAP Season 86 Women’s Volleyball Final Four round with a twice-to-beat advantage after taking down the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers, 22-25, 25-23, 25-16, 25-15, on April 27, 2024, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Despite the return of DLSU superstar and former Rookie Most Valuable Player (MVP) Angel Canino from an arm injury, the Lady Spikers still couldn’t grab the win and failed to exact its revenge on UST after suffering a loss in the first round of the UAAP tournament.
After dropping a close frame in the opening set, the Golden Tigresses suddenly switched gears and stuck to their game plan of being wise in their attacks as they out-maneuvered the taller front line of DLSU in the second set.
Angge Poyos’ consistent attack for the Golden Tigresses sparked their fightback in the second set as the super rookie delivered in the most crucial stretch of the frame that helped her squad tie things up at 1-all.
With momentum on their side, UST just stepped on the gas pedal and dominated the Lady Spikers starting in the third set where they led by double digits heading into the fourth and final period.
DLSU tried to counter by deploying a taller front line while keeping Canino in attack mode but UST’s sneak attacks and excellent floor coverage just kept them in the game.
In the end, DLSU failed to inch close and allowed the Golden Tigresses to take the fourth set and run away with a twice-to-beat advantage when the Final Four round begins next week.
Poyos once again acted as UST’s stabilizer after putting up 22 points built from 18 successful attacks to go alongside three blocks and a service ace.
Meanwhile, Regina Jurado supported Poyos’ offensive performance with 13 markers derived from 10 successful attacks including six excellent digs.
On the other hand, the returning Canino supplied 13 points for the Lady Spikers but it was Shevana Laput who top-scored DLSU with 26 points.
