The UST Golden Tigresses are on the board in UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball while keeping the Ateneo Blue Eagles winless.
The third time’s the charm for University of Santo Tomas.
The Golden Tigresses dispatched Ateneo, 26-24, 25-18, 25-21, to barge into the win column in UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao Wednesday, Feb. 25.
UST lost its first two matches against top contenders National U and La Salle.
[ALSO READ: Josh Ybañez-led UST digs deep, repulses Ateneo in five-set UAAP thriller]
In the opening set, the Golden Tigresses had to parry an Ateneo side that clawed back from an 11-16 deficit midway, thanks to the timely entry of Yssa Nisperos late in the set.
Nisperos scored four points from there, helping the Blue Eagles save a set point and tie the count at 24-all.
But her untimely error at the end handed the first set to the Golden Tigresses.
Xyza Gula reacts during UST's match against Ateneo in UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Determined to get on the board, the Blue Eagles, also coming off a 0-2 start, raced to a 7-1 lead in the second.
But the Golden Tigresses drew steady offense from Angge Poyos and Marga Altea to trim the gap. They eventually grabbed the upperhand at 13-12 after a Xyza Gula attack.
UST never let up, taking the second set and eventually the match.
Meanwhile, Ateneo continues searching for its first win.
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Luisa Morales is a sportswriter with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.