By NIKOLE JAVIER
League-leading University of Santo Tomas is looking to pick up itself when it goes up against Adamson when the second round of the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament resumes on Wednesday, April 3, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The once unbeaten Golden Tigresses and the Lady Falcons collide at the main event of the double header at 4 p.m.
After a rare first round sweep, the UST suffered its first loss in nine outings at the hands of National University Lady Bulldogs before the Holy Week break last March 24, relishing their best start in the tournament prior to the collapse.
Rising star and rookie Angge Poyos paced the España squad anew in her first UAAP defeat since her rousing debut.
Interestingly, the Golden Tigresses completed their early eliminations sweep at the expense of the Lady Falcons (2-6) last March 16.
While Adamson is seeking to end its four-game slide, UST is surely about to vent its ire on the struggling side to rejoin the win column.
On the other hand, NU, which improved its slate to 7-2 in the standings, is eyeing to draw inspiration from its massive upset win over UST when it tackles University of the East (2-6) in the first offering of the women’s play.
The Lady Bulldogs made the most of the break knowing full well they can’t afford to lose sight of the rest of the eliminations as the feisty Lady Warriors side stand in the way.
Season 84 Most Valuable Player Bella Belen and league-leading top scorer Casiey Dongallo will leave everything on the court as they carry the fight for their respective sides.
Belen, for her part, delivered a season-high performance 24 points to help NU past UST, while Dongallo had her second best output since making her collegiate debut with a 28-point finish which was enough to end UE’s six-game slump against Adamson last March 23.
With both sides facing each other inspired with meaningful victories, only the best outside hitter should remain standing at the end of the collision.
