University of Santo Tomas’ Regina Jurado in action against Far Eastern University in UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball. UAAP Media.
MANILA (UPDATED) — University of Santo Tomas protected its home turf, overcoming the visiting Far Eastern University to return to the win column in UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball.
The Golden Tigresses notched their fourth win in their last five games after emerging triumphant over the Lady Tamaraws, 25-17, 25-17, 18-25, 25-17, in their Palm Sunday faceoff at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
Leading the España-based hitters were Angge Poyos, who finished with 18 points, seven digs, and five receptions, and Reg Jurado, who was solid with 16 points and six digs.
"Malaking bagay para sa amin itong panalong ito. Ito 'yung band-aid solution namin sa standing sa ngayon," said UST deputy Yani Fernandez, as they are now tied with FEU and Adamson University for third to fifth places with six wins against four defeats.
Jonna Perdido and Avril Brown were also crucial with 10 points apiece, while Cassie Carballo orchestrated UST's offense with 20 excellent sets laced with three points, as these helped the Tigresses sweep the Lady Tamaraws in the elimination round much like how they did in Season 85 in 2023.
After stumbling in the third frame, where they committed 14 errors, the Tigresses zoomed to a 15-to-eight start in the fourth frame, one which was capped off by an off-the-block hit by Xyza Gula.
A Tin Ubaldo drop later cut Far Eastern U's deficit to 12-18, but that was the closest they could get as UST held on.
The Golden Tigresses eventually stretched their lead to its biggest at 10, 23-13, all thanks to back-to-back blocks by Bron and Jurado, and that was all they needed as the latter sealed the match with a kill to the delight of the home crowd.
On the other hand, the Lady Tams have now lost twice in their last four assignments, spoiling the efforts of Faida Bakanke, who had 13 points, and Lovely Lopez, who added 11 markers, four receptions, and three digs.
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