With the Final Four on the line, University of Santo Tomas slammed the door on University of the Philippines’ hopes, delivering a decisive 25-20, 25-21, 25-18 sweep to eliminate the Fighting Maroons and officially complete the semifinal cast in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament, Wednesday afternoon at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The win not only solidified UST’s place in the postseason but also boosted its bid for the remaining twice-to-beat advantage, as the Tigresses improved to a 9-4 record for solo second place in the standings.
The battle for the incentive, however, remains open depending on the result of the ongoing De La Salle vs. Adamson match at press time. Should La Salle win, the twice-to-beat edge will come down to the outcomes of both teams’ final elimination games this weekend.
Middle blocker Em Banagua was the difference-maker for the Golden Tigresses, anchoring the defense with a 12-point performance, highlighted by a stunning eight blocks, to help UST punch its fifth consecutive Final Four ticket dating back to Season 81 in 2019.
“Firstly, malaking tulong yung mga extra [work] namin, lalo na before training. Nageextra 30 minutes kami for blockings. Inaayos namin yung small details kasi ‘yon yung nagdetermine kung ginawa namin ng tama yung blockings namin,” Banagua said.
In the third set, UST pulled away for good after turning a slim 7-5 lead into a commanding 16-9 cushion, capped by a crosscourt hit and a down-the-line smash from Season 86 Rookie of the Year Angge Poyos. From there, UP struggled to recover as a Mabeth Hilongo crosscourt hit, a quick strike from Banagua, a net touch violation by Yesha Noceja, and another down-the-line finish from Hilongo sealed the deal for UST.
Earlier, with the second set tied at 20-all, the Tigresses showed composure under pressure, unleashing a 5-1 finishing run powered by two key blocks from Banagua and another crosscourt kill from Poyos to take a 2-0 lead.
“Every year, minsan nagiiba na yung players namin kasi come and go itong mga ito, pero yung sistema nandiyan. We just keep pushing at hindi kami tumitigil to reach that ultimate goal ng team. ‘Yon naman talaga yung main goal namin, pero ang importante sa amin ay we do better every game,” UST head coach Kungfu Reyes said.
Poyos ended the day with 19 points on 18 attacks with nine excellent digs and four excellent receptions, while Regina Jurado provided 13 points and six excellent digs.
Hilongo tallied eight points on six attacks with 15 excellent receptions, while Marga Altea chipped in five points on two attacks, two blocks, and one ace.
Two-time UAAP Best Libero Detdet Pepito flaunted her defensive prowess with 23 excellent digs and eight excellent receptions in the MINUTES win, while Cassie Carbllo orchestrated the offense with 19 excellent sets with three points.
