S87 Women's Volleyball: UST survives Adamson’s challenge, 3-1

Games on Sunday, March 2, 2025

(SM Mall of Asia Arena)

9 a.m. - DLSU vs UP (Men’s)

11 a.m. - FEU vs Ateneo (Men’s)

1 p.m. - DLSU vs UP (Women’s)

3 p.m. - FEU vs Ateneo (Men’s)

University of Santo Tomas denied Adamson University’s fightback effort in the fourth to grab a 25-21, 20-25, 25-13, 27-25 win in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday. 

This victory pushed the Golden Tigresses’ winning streak to three games after losing their opening match against the FEU Lady Tamaraws. UST has since defeated University of the East, De La Salle University, and Adamson for a 3-1 record at solo second.

“Very satisfied naman even if nag four sets kami kasi nag-stick din sa game plan at inilaban ulit ng mga bata, pinusuan ulit ng mga bata ‘yung game,” said UST deputy coach Yani Fernandez. 

Angge Poyos’ spike down the line gave UST a 23-18 lead in the fourth set, just two points away from the victory but Adamson went hard at work. 

Through Shaina Nitura and Frances Mordi, with some aid from the Golden Tigresses’ errors, the Lady Falcons were able to inch within one, 22-23. 

Then Poyos responded with an off-the-block kill to put UST at match point but Nitura and Mordi went back-to-back to extend the set. 

After both sides exchanged errors, Regina Jurado put the Tigresses back on top with a solid block on Mordi before Nitura’s backrow attempt in the ensuing play did not go over the net for the UST win in two hours and 17 minutes. 

“Sobrang hirap nilang kalaban actually kasi parang same kami ng play, hindi rin naman sila ganon kalalaki. Thankful din sa teammates ko kasi nag-stick kami sa plan namin this game so naging successful naman pero malayo pa,” said team captain Detdet Pepito, who had 13 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions. 

Season 86 Rookie of the Year Poyos delivered a team-high 21 points to go with eight receptions and five digs while lefty opposite hitter Jurado added 17 points on 13 attacks, three blocks, and an ace she laced with seven digs. 

Pia Abbu also chimed in 10 points in the win.

UST aims for four in a row on Wednesday when it squares off against University of the Philippines also at the Pasay venue. 

Nitura, who set the division’s rookie scoring record with 33 points on their opening game, was unleashed anew, registering 28 points on 26 attacks and two aces she complemented with 14 digs and 12 receptions but the Lady Falcons still slipped to an even 2-2 record at fourth spot. 

Mordi finished with 13 points while Juris Manuel impressed with 14 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions. 

Adamson will be back next Saturday against FEU also at the same venue.

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team