Games today

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)

9 a.m. — La Salle vs Ateneo (m)

11 a.m. — FEU vs Adamson (m)

1 p.m. — La Salle vs Ateneo (w)

3 p.m. — FEU vs Adamson (w)

Playing at home, the University of Santo Tomas destroyed University of the East (UE) in straight sets, 25-11, 25-14, 25-14, in Season 88 University Athletic Association of the Philippines women’s volleyball tournament Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Gymnasium.

Jonna Perdido got her confidence back after missing last season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament injury, powering the Golden Tigresses to victory and an even 2-2 win-loss record after opening the tournament with two straight defeats.

The 5-foot-9 outside spiker drilled in 10 points on five spikes, three aces, and two blocks, while also recording six excellent digs and four excellent receptions.

“We are just happy and proud because slowly, we are playing as a team and we managed to do what we want. (But) we know that there are still a lot of room for improvement but the good thing is we came up with a good result today,” said UST head coach Shaq delos Santos.

With the crowd behind their every move, UST came out smoking in all three sets, leaving UE scrambling all game long.

The Golden Tigresses set the tone early, zooming to an 8-0 lead in the first set, followed by a 10-2 advantage in the second, and an 11-1 lead in the third, and getting the job done in 78 minutes.

“I think my performance is already (rated) eight out of ten because I have been given the time to play so I am thankful to coach for this game. My mind set is just to show what I’ve got,” Perdido added.

Cassie Carballo orchestrated the offense with 13 excellent sets while also contributing five points herself.

Angge Poyos led the Golden Tigresses with 11 points, and middle blockers Avril Bron and Marga Altea added eight points apiece.

Regina Jurado also contributed eight points as UST dominated in all scoring categories: 36-15 in spikes, 9-0 in blocks, and 8-4 in service aces.

UST guns for its third straight win next Saturday against Adamson University at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Khy Cepada, a former Junior Tigress, scored nine points for UE, which fell to 0-4. The Lady Warriors will face defending champion National University on Wednesday, also at the Big Dome.

In men’s play, UST also felt right at home, dumping UE, 25-18, 25-22, 25-22, for its third straight victory.

After opening the tournament with a loss to the National University Bulldogs, the Golden Spikers responded with three consecutive victories to climb to solo second place at 3-1.

“It’s always nice to play in your home court because the crowd is behind you and the team was inspired,” UST head coach Odjie Mamon said.

The Red Warriors steadied their offense after dropping the first set decisively, going point-for-point with the Golden Spikers in the next two frames.

However, UST always had the final answer.

JJ Macam and Trevor Valera took charge in the second set, while Vryvin Catinsag and Joncriz Ayco closed the door in the third as the Golden Spikers put the game in the bag in just 74 minutes.