Golden Tigresses stun Lady Bulldogs in straight sets to open UAAP campaign

BY NIKOLE JAVIER

Feb 18, 2024 06:25 PM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• University of Santo Tomas began its post-Eya Laure era with a stunning straight-set victory against powerhouse National University, 25-19, 25-23, 25-22, to pick up their opening-season win in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, Feb. 18, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

---

University of Santo Tomas began its post-Eya Laure era with a stunning straight-set victory against powerhouse National University, 25-19, 25-23, 25-22, to pick up their opening-season win in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, Feb. 18, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

In a battle of early contenders and last season’s semifinal pairing, the Golden Tigresses' collective effort became the key in pulling off the massive upset over their previous Final Four tormentor.

 

UST stuns NU in straight sets. (UAAP Media)

UST playmaker Cassie Carballo’s balanced distribution led four players to a double-digit outing with 20 excellent sets on top of six points off two blocks and four crucial services aces made in the third frame.

Rookie Angge Poyos posted a team-high 16 points built on 13 attacks and three blocks, while Regina Jurado and Jonna Perdido contributed 12 markers apiece off a combined 24 kills.

Margaret Banagua provided a 10-point performance with seven points and three blocks.

Locked at 14-all in three closing chapter, the Golden Tigresses unleashed a 6-0 run highlighted by Carballo in the service area.  

Although NU came within one, 22-21, through a powerful hit from the back row by Vange Alinsug, Alyssa Solomon committed an attack error off a faulty set by Camilla Lamina before Perdido and Jurado finished off the Lady Bulldogs.

Interestingly, it was UST that ended NU’s 20-game winning stretch last season in the early eliminations before they squared off in the Final Four.

Despite losing Laure and Imee Hernandez to the pro, the Golden Tigresses are in safe hands as Jurado and Perdido continued to step up.

Meanwhile, Solomon and Alinsug carried the fight on the losing end with 16 and 11 points, respectively, as NU opened its season with a sorry loss.