For real, this time. The confetti fell true on the UST Golden Tigresses, after beating the FEU Lady Tamaraws for the 2024 V-League Collegiate Challenge.
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses overcame the emotional weight of their Game 2 misstep and clinched the 2024 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge title with a commanding 24-26, 25-20, 25-21, 25-14 win over the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws in their sudden-death final at Philsports Arena, Pasig, on Friday.
Despite dropping the first set, UST kept their composure, aware of their offensive firepower. The Golden Tigresses swept the next three sets, with a dominant performance in the fourth, putting behind them the sting of their Game 2 heartbreak.
In that earlier match, UST prematurely celebrated after taking a 14-13 lead in the fifth set, following a crucial hit by Cassie Carballo. However, FEU challenged a net violation on UST’s setter, which overturned the point and gave FEU the win, forcing the series to a Game 3 decider.
In the final game, FEU started strong but couldn’t sustain the momentum against a relentless UST side. The Golden Tigresses found their groove in the crucial third set, pulling away to leave FEU with few options to respond. By the fourth set, UST took full control, preventing any late-game dramatics and securing the championship.
MVP Angge Poyos made a stunning return after missing Game 2 due to illness, leading the way with 31 points—29 from attacks and two from blocks. Poyos also contributed eight excellent receptions, guiding UST to its seventh V-League title and their first since 2010, the same year they won the UAAP Season 72 women’s volleyball crown.
"I’m very happy I was able to come back for Game 3. My goal was to help the team, and I’m thankful we were able to get our championship," said the 20-year-old outside hitter, displaying both pride and humility.
After taking a 2-1 set lead, UST surged to an early 14-6 lead in the fourth set, with a service ace from Reg Jurado and an attack error from Lovely Lopez. The momentum from their third-set win drained FEU’s fight, as Poyos and Jurado dominated in the fourth set. Back-to-back hits from Jurado and a quick strike from Pia Abbu sealed the 11-point victory and the championship.
“We’re happy we bounced back after the Game 2 upset. It’s overwhelming to win the championship, especially with the team back together,” said UST head coach Kungfu Reyes.
Jurado chipped in 15 points, including 12 attacks, while Perdido added 10 points. Finals MVP Carballo orchestrated UST’s offense with 19 excellent sets and contributed five points of her own.
For FEU, Bakanke led with 16 points on 11 attacks, four blocks, and an ace, while Jean Asis added nine points and two blocks. Gerzel Petallo came off the bench to score eight points, as FEU settled for their second consecutive silver finish, following last season’s loss to the CSB Lady Blazers.