UST takes second place, twice defeated after repeating La Salle

It didn’t matter to the University of Santo Tomas (UST) that La Salle got its “angel” back.

This small pack of speedy tigresses continued to torment the Lady Spikers anyway and armed themselves with the last double lead in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 women's volleyball tournament.

“Having a big win against La Salle tonight is a good way to get into the top four,” said coach KungFu Reyes in Philippine Minutes after UST's 22-25, 25-23, 25-16, 25 victory -15 over the current champions. the Spanish team came second for a crucial bonus in the semi-final. “We didn’t just want to get to the top four, but also gain the two-time advantage.”

The Tigresses will use the Final Four shield against the Lady Spikers, who fell to third place.

UST actually tied National University at 12-2 (win-loss), but the Lady Bulldogs tied for first by virtue of superior match points, 36-34.

“It was not an easy process for the young guys, especially (because they were) facing the current champion,” Reyes said. “We’re just starting a new chapter (and) now we’re (in) the Final Four.”

Leading Rookie of the Year candidate Angge Poyos led the youth charge with 22 points built on 18 attacks, three blocks and an ace, while sophomore Jonna Perdido, who was also instrumental in UST's first-round victory against La Salle, he scored 19 points, 18 of which were vital attacking points.

In front of a crowd of 14,939, the young UST team – which has no seniors on its roster – refused to be intimidated by the moment. Against a championship-tested team that welcomed back last year's Most Valuable Player winner Angel Canino after a five-game absence due to injury, the Tigresses held firm despite losing the opening set.

“I am proud of this young team. We didn’t expect to get this far,” said UST captain Detdet Pepito, who as a junior is already the most experienced standout on the squad. “Since we’ve been here, I keep telling (my teammates) to embrace the moment, win games, (and) enjoy and cherish the time we spend together on the court.”

Early return

Pepito finished with 17 excellent digs and six excellent receptions. Sophomore Regina Jurado also finished in double figures with 13 points on 10 attacks, a pair of aces and a block. Pocket rocket Xyza Gula finished with just two points, but it was crucial aces that closed out the last two sets of the two-hour and six-minute encounter.

Canino made her long-awaited return to La Salle and immediately made her impact to help the Lady Spikers' strong opening set. Baby Jyne Soreno also returned after injuring her shoulder.

Although Canino showed signs of herself and spread 13 attack points, the La Salle star's effort was still not enough to counter the high level of play presented by the Tigresses.

Shevana Laput was still productive even with Canino back on the court with her and led La Salle with 26 points on 23 kills, two aces and a block.

“We really worked on how we played tonight, so it wasn’t easy, but it paid off,” UST sophomore middle blocker Pia Abbu said.