SWEPT AWAY: UST crushes Ateneo anew, nears Final Four slot

University of Santo Tomas (UST) reaffirmed its dominance over Ateneo de Manila University after posting a 25-15, 26-24, 26-24 victory in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

It was UST’s second consecutive straight-sets win this season — both at the expense of Ateneo, which it also swept in the first round, 25-20, 25-23, 25-21, on 9 March.

With the win, the Golden Tigresses climbed to solo third place with a 7-4 win-loss record, breaking their tie with Far Eastern University (FEU) and moving a step closer to securing a Final Four berth.

“Well, we’re happy that we were able to sustain that kind of situation,” UST head coach Kungfu Reyes said.

“The maturity and judgment of the players are starting to show each game, especially in crunch time.”

The Blue Eagles nearly equalized the match in the second set after going up 24-22, but a service error by Alex Montoro opened the door for the Golden Tigresses to get the job done.

Middle blocker Marga Altea, returning to her original position, delivered two straight points before Angge Poyos capped the comeback with a powerful crosscourt hit to steal the set.

Ateneo once again threatened to extend the match in the third frame, tying the score at 24-all thanks to clutch hits from AC Miner and Zey Pacia. But Poyos responded with another emphatic spike before Cassie Carballo sealed the win with a block on Montoro.

“I’m really happy because this is something I’ve worked on during training. I’m just glad my efforts are finally showing in the games,” Altea said after scoring 10 points on seven attacks and three blocks.

Poyos led UST with 16 points, while Regina Jurado added 10 points.

UST, now on a two-game winning streak, will face winless University of the East (UE) next weekend at the Big Dome.

Ateneo, now at 4-7 after suffering its second straight defeat, remains in the hunt for a Final Four spot with three matches left. Miner led the Blue Eagles with 13 points, while Lyann De Guzman added 12.

Ateneo returns to action against FEU on Wednesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

UST’s men’s squad also had reason to celebrate, sweeping Ateneo, 26-24, 25-17, 25-22, to strengthen its Final Four bid.

The Golden Spikers extended their winning run to three games and improved to 7-4, tying De La Salle University for third place.

Star spiker Josh Ybañez put on a show, racking up 24 points built on 20 attacks, three aces, and a block. Popoy Colinares chipped in 13 points, including six blocks, to provide solid support.

Ateneo absorbed its second consecutive defeat and dropped to 6-5, slipping to fifth place. Kennedy Batas led the Blue Eagles with 20 points, while Amil Pacinio added nine.

La Salle fended off a gritty UE squad to secure a 30-28, 25-16, 25-22 sweep and keep its Final Four hopes alive.

The Green Spikers improved to 7-4, tying UST for third place in the standings.

Noel Kampton spearheaded the La Salle offense with 13 points, while Nathaniel Del Pilar and MJ Fortuna added eight and seven points, respectively, in limited action.

UE remained winless in 11 outings, but found a bright spot in rookie Roy Piojo, who finished with 14 points.

Xjhann Camaymayan added 11 for the Red Warriors, who put up a gallant stand before falling short.