UST secures Final Four spot

University of Santo Tomas (UST) locked in the last Final Four spot in dominant fashion, sweeping University of the Philippines, 25-20, 25-21, 25-18, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Needing just one more win to advance, the Tigresses showed no hesitation as they overpowered the Fighting Maroons to clinch their ninth win in 13 matches and complete the semifinal picture.

Angge Poyos led the Tigresses’ charge with an explosive 19-point outing built on 18 attacks and a service ace while middle blocker Em Banagua provided the defensive anchor, tallying 12 points, including a season-high eight blocks.

The Tigresses broke away in the third set with a blistering 9-4 run capped by back-to-back kills from Season 86 Rookie of the Year Poyos, building a 16-9 lead that the Fighting Maroons could not overcome.

Then, Mabeth Hilongo, Banagua and Hilongo delivered the finishing blows before watching Yesha Noceja commit a costly error to seal the deal for the Tigresses.

Nina Ytang put up a strong fight with 16 points off 13 attacks and three blocks, but the Fighting Maroons simply couldn’t match UST’s consistency and firepower.

UP’s dream run — highlighted by stunning upsets of Final Four contenders Far Eastern University, National University, and De La Salle University — ended abruptly. They have now missed the Final Four for the seventh consecutive season since 2017.

The Fighting Maroons will wrap up their Season 87 campaign against Adamson on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.