DYNAMIC DUO: Poyos, Jurado to lead UST’s charge vs Ateneo

Games today:

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)

9 a.m. — UST vs Ateneo (m)

11 a.m. — La Salle vs UE (m)

1 p.m. — UST vs Ateneo (w)

3 p.m. — La Salle vs UE (w)

University of Santo Tomas (UST) pursues the job of proving that it has Ateneo de Manila University’s number when they collide Saturday in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Fresh from their come-from-behind 25-18, 23-25, 22-25, 27-25, 15-8 victory over the Shaina Nitura-powered Adamson University, the Lady Tigresses are looking to stave off the Blue Eagles once again and hand them back-to-back losses following their loss to De La Salle University the last time.

The Golden Tigresses, currently tied with Far Eastern University (FEU) at 6-4, are vying for a strong finish in the elimination round.

UST previously dominated Ateneo in straight sets on 9 March, marking one of the Blue Eagles’ back-to-back losses this season.

Key players to watch for UST include setter Cassie Carballo, who delivered 25 excellent sets against Adamson, along with wingers Ange Poyos and Reg Jurado, who each scored 20-plus points in that match.

“Our goal is to keep improving every game. We need to be more consistent and aggressive,” UST head coach Kungfu Reyes said.

Meanwhile, Ateneo, currently at 4-6 and sixth in the standings, is reeling after its tough defeat to the Lady Spikers, which ended its three-game winning streak.

The Blue Eagles will rely on the offensive firepower of AC Miner, Lyann de Guzman and Zey Pacio to challenge UST’s key players.

De La Salle, meanwhile, will be aiming for its third consecutive victory when it meets winless University of the East (UE) at 3 p.m.

UE, sitting at 0-10, is already out of Final Four contention but will fight for pride and a potential first win of the season. Despite multiple close matches, the Lady Warriors have struggled to close out games.

On the other hand, La Salle is determined to maintain its hold on second place, crucial for securing a twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals. The Lady Spikers are currently holding a 7-3 record, keeping them ahead of FEU, which has a 6-4 slate.

“This was really our goal — to hold on to second place until the end so we can get the twice-to-beat advantage. Hopefully, we can keep this momentum going,” Lady Spikers head coach Ramil de Jesus said.

La Salle will once again rely on the dynamic duo of Angel Canino and Shevana Laput, who have been instrumental in their second-round surge.

In men’s volleyball action, UST will battle Ateneo at 9 a.m., while La Salle takes on UE at 11 a.m.

The UST Golden Spikers are in a tight three-way race for the Final Four, currently tied with La Salle and another contender for third place.

Reigning MVP Josh Ybanez, who led UST with 13 points in their win over Adamson, has regained his top form after struggling with injuries earlier in the season.

He will be joined by key contributors Jay Rack dela Noche and Paul Colinares in their quest to outplay the Blue Eagles.

Ateneo, however, has firepower of its own, with Kennedy Batas and Jian Salarzon looking to bounce back after combining for 46 points in a losing effort against La Salle.

Meanwhile, at 11 a.m., the Green Spikers are looking to strengthen their position against the struggling Red Warriors, who are still searching for their first win of the season in the men’s division.