University of Santo Tomas roared back from two sets down for a reverse sweep over University of the East, 23-25, 23-25, 25-14, 25-17, 15-9, to emerge unbeaten in Pool B of the 2024 Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-season Championship Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Angge Poyos took over in the fifth set, banging in crucial hits as the Growling Tigresses pulled away early to complete a four-game sweep of the opening pool stage and build momentum heading into the next round.
The sophomore winger scored eight of her game-high 28 points in the deciding frame including the match-clinching spike from the left corner to finish off the erstwhile undefeated Lady Warriors in the thrilling two-hour, 27-minute match in the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, GCash, Chery Tiggo, F2 Logistics, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, R and B Milk Tea and Summit Water.
Meanwhile, three-peat-seeking National University crushed also-ran San Beda University, 25-19, 25-7, 25-17, for a 3-0 card in Pool A.
Myrtle Escanlar uncorked 13 points off 11 attacks, one kill block and an ace while reigning tournament Most Valuable Player Alyssa Solomon added 12 markers for the Lady Bulldogs’ dominating win
Regina Jurado added 15 points while Jonna Perdido finished with 14 markers for UST, which halted UE’s three-game romp.
Poyos went on a tear at the start of the deciding frame, scoring four hits in the Tigresses’ hot 5-0 start.
The Lady Warriors tried to push back with Casiey Dongallo scoring a kill to cut their deficit to three, 11-8, only for UST to answer with three straight points punctuated by a Jurado attack.
Dongallo saved a match point but it was too late as Poyos fired back to seal the deal.
Jelai Gajero and Dongallo paced UE with 14 points each and a combined 27 kills while KC Cepada had 11 markers.
