Despite an error-prone night, the UST Golden Tigresses found a way to overcome the FEU Lady Tamaraws in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament on Sunday, March 3.
University of Santo Tomas pulled off a reversal against Far Eastern University, 22-25, 21-25, 25-23, 25-20, 15-7, to strengthen its hold of the top spot in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay on Sunday, March 3.
Errors hounded the Golden Tigresses throughout the match as they fumbled with 40 miscues, 14 of which in the second frame.
But after being down two sets, UST was seemingly jolted as it came back roaring behind Margaret Banagua, Mary Coronado, Angge Poyos and Xyza Gula to keep its unblemished record with its fourth straight victory.
The Golden Tigresses toughened up at the end of the third to stay alive then rallied behind Coronado to thwart the Lady Tamaraws' comeback attempt in the fourth to force the decider.
Buoyed by the momentum, UST brushed off its ghastly 18-error showing from the service line as Cassie Carballo and Gula swung a pair of aces this time to push the Golden Tigresses to a 4-1 edge in the decider.
Poyos then took over with back-to-back hits before Banagua came through at the net for UST to stretch its advantage to 8-2.
There was no looking back for the Golden Tigresses from there, with Regina Jurado, Poyos, Banagua and Gula ensuring the Golden Tigresses' strong finish.
Poyos tied her career-high, posting 24 points to lead UST. Banagua whacked four denials in her 15-point finish, Jurado contributed 13 markers while Gula came off the bench to also chip in 13, with all but one coming off attacks. Coronado saw action only in the last three sets and compiled eight points anchored on three blocks.
Jonna Perdido was limited to 10 markers following a career-best 24-point display for the Golden Tigresses against La Salle the last time out.
Jean Asis and Chenie Tagaod, meanwhile, led the charge for FEU as they combined for 30 points. Faida Bakanke added 11.
The Lady Tamaraws dropped to 2-2 for joint fourth with Adamson.