By MARK REY MONTEJO
University of Santo Tomas overcame a third-set hiccup as it turned back University of the Philippines, 25-11, 25-23, 23-25, 25-12, to extend its winning run to four games in UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, March 5.
After failing to contain Kianne Olango’s fiery assault for the Fighting Maroons in the third set, the Golden Tigresses regained their bearings in the fourth by taking a commanding 19-6 lead en route to hiking their win-loss tally to 4-1 at second.
Reg Jurado topped the scoring column for UST with 22 points built on 21 attacks and one block, while Angge Poyos displayed her consistent showing by pouring in 20 points.
Pia Abbu and Marga Altea also stepped up for the España-based squad with combined 16 points, while Cassie Carballo delivered 21 excellent sets with four attacks, one block and two aces.
Olango had 14 kills, two blocks and two aces for 18 total points while Joan Monares added 13 in a losing cause for UP, which dropped to 2-3 to remain at sixth.
Meanwhile, Far Eastern University cruised past University of the East, 25-23, 25-19, 25-20, for its second straight win.
The Lady Tamaraws turned a tight first set into a one-sided affair in the next two frames, with Gerz Petallo pouring in 12 points off 11 kills and one ace with eight excellent digs and six excellent receptions, and Chen Tagaod and Mitzi Panangin registering 11 points each.
Tin Ubaldo, for her part, posted 13 excellent sets with one kill, one block and two aces including the one that served as a game-point.
“Siyempre mas maganda ‘yong ganitong ‘trend, naga-eye kami na makapasok sa Final Four ulit,” said FEU head coach Tina Salak.
“At the end of the day, kailangan naming mag-aim sa goal namin… na ‘di mawala ‘yon,” she added.
Khy Cepada and Nessa Bangayan produced another double-digit scoring effort of 14 points apiece in a losing effort.
The Tamaraws rose to third spot with a 3-2 card while the Warriors suffered their fifth loss in as many outings.
Up next for FEU are the Adamson Lady Falcons this Saturday, March 8, at the same venue.
