UST smashes UE into bits

University of Santo Tomas (UST) easily took care of business on Saturday as the women’s team crushed also-ran University of the East (UE), 25-19, 25-16, 25-15, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The win, which raised the Golden Tigresses’ win-loss card to 8-4, left them just a victory from securing a fifth straight Final Four appearance.

UST was led by the steady contributions of Season 86 Rookie of the Year Angge Poyos and off-the-bench outside spiker Kyla Cordora.

With the victory, the Golden Tigresses extended their win streak to three games. The win also eliminated Adamson University from Final Four contention, leaving the Lady Falcons with no hopes as they face Far Eastern University (FEU) next.

Head coach Kungfu Reyes expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, noting the importance of giving other players valuable court time.

“First, of course, we have respect for the UE team, and we really prepared for this match. The good thing here is that we were able to give other players exposure, and they delivered. Hopefully, they can use this game for our upcoming matches,” Reyes said.

Despite UE’s fight in the third set, where they closed the gap to 10-7, UST responded with a 6-1 run to take control. Marga Altea served an ace, followed by two straight hits from Poyos, and the Golden Tigresses never looked back, clinching their 10th straight win over UE since Season 81.

Kyla Cordora, who provided an all-around performance with eight points, seven excellent digs, and six excellent receptions, credited her teammates for the trust they placed in her.

“I am thankful for the trust my teammates and coaches gave me. I also had to trust myself and prove that I can play and showcase my skills,” she said.

Poyos led UST with 12 points, while Regina Jurado added 10 points. Altea contributed seven points, with Banagua also scoring seven.

In the men’s division, UST kept its Final Four hopes alive with a dominant 25-20, 25-17, 25-20 win over the already-eliminated UE. The victory was their fourth in a row, improving their record to 8-4, and keeping them in solo third place.

The Golden Spikers are now just one step away from securing their third consecutive Final Four appearance. They will need Ateneo to beat National University in tomorrow’s match to confirm their playoff spot.