By NIKOLE JAVIER
University of Santo Tomas recovered brilliantly from a second-set stumble and took down Adamson in four sets, 25-18, 22-25, 25-15, 28-26, to complete a rare first round sweep in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday night, March 16, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Golden Tigresses stayed as the only perfect side in seven outings to claim the solo lead in the standings.
After convincing victories over reigning champion La Salle and runner up National University, UST proved it means serious business this season with another fine display to the delight of its roaring supporters.
Rookie Angge Poyos flexed her might anew after posting 18 points off 18 kills, while Jonna Perdido and Regina Jurado delivered 16 and 12 points, respectively, in UST’s balanced showing.
Not to be outdone, the Lady Spikers outlasted the Lady Bulldogs, 15-25, 25-19, 18-25, 25-19, 15-12, in a thrilling rematch of last year’s finalists before almost delighted14,000 fans
Despite four players finishing in double figures for Adamson with Ishie Lalongisip showing the way with 14 , UST was simply the better side in the four-set encounter.
The Lady Falcons dropped toa 2-5 record in the standings.
Trailing by two in the fourth frame, Poyos’ maturity exceeded expectations as she unleashed three straight points to give the España squad its best start in the Final Four era.
Shevana Laput had 20 points, including the match-sealing kill that lifted the Lady Spikers in closing the first round with a 6-1 record.
“We definitely have to fight for it. I’m thankful that my teammates put that trust on me,” said Laput.
The Lady Bulldogs, who drew 21 points from Alyssa Solomon and a 20-point, 20-dig outing by former MVP Bella Belen, dropped to 5-2.
Reigning MVP Angel Canino added 17 points, including two service aces, and seven digs while Em Provido had five blocks for a 13-point outing for De La Salle.
“Hindi magiging madali ang laban natin. Ang sabi ko sa kanila all-out tayo huwag tayong bibitaw kahit nakakalamang ang kalaban. Basta patuloy lang kayo sa sistema na ginagawa natin,” said Lady Spikers assistant coach Noel Orcullo.
