UST scores third straight victory

Games today:

(Mall of Asia Arena)

9 a.m. -- La Salle vs UP (m)

11 a.m. -- FEU vs Ateneo (m)

1 p.m. -- La Salle vs UP (w)

3 p.m. -- FEU vs Ateneo (w)

University of Santo Tomas (UST) subdued Adamson University, 25-21, 20-25, 25-13, 27-25, despite Shaina Nitura’s 28-point explosion on Saturday in Season 87 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Golden Tigresses now have a three-game winning streak to take the second spot with a 3-1 win-loss record.

UST assistant coach Yani Fernandez loved how they remained composed despite seeing the Lady Falcons mount an uprising in hopes of extending the game to a fifth set.

“Even with the game reaching four sets, we’re still satisfied because we still stuck with our game plan and the girls showed heart in the game,” Fernandez said.

Angge Poyos, who dropped 21 points for the Tigresses, echoed her mentor’s sentiments as they drew strength from one another.

“The connection we have with each other, that’s the most important and the guidance of the coaches, that’s also one of the things that made us stronger,” Poyos said.

With a 2-1 set lead and a 23-18 advantage in the fourth set, the Tigresses looked poised to end the game with two more points.

But Adamson was able to cut the lead to one with four straight points, two of them coming from errors of the Tigresses.

An off-the-block kill from Poyos put UST at match point but Nitura and Mordi went back-to-back to force a 24-24 deadlock.

Tied at 25 after errors from both sides, the Tigresses finally clinched the win after a block from Regina Jurado and an attack error from Nitura.

Poyos had 21 points for UST while Jurado added 17.

Nitura’s 28 points, built on 26 attacks and two aces, weren’t enough as Adamson slid down to fourth place with a 2-2 slate.

UST also dominated Adamson in the men’s division with a 25-18, 25-15, 25-23 victory earlier in the day.

Alche Gupiteo and JJ Macam led the Golden Spikers with 13 points each as they are now in the second spot with a 3-1 card.

Defending champion National University spanked University of the East, 25-20, 23-25, 25-23, 25-15, for its third win in four games in UAAP Season 87.

Leo Ordiales led the Bulldogs with 18 points built on 13 spikes, four blocks, and one ace while Michaelo Buddin produced 16 points.