The UST Golden Tigresses continue their dominant run in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament with a clean straight-set victory over the UP Fighting Maroons.
University of Santo Tomas tightened its hold of the first spot in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament after sweeping the University of the Philippines, 25-22, 25-20, 26-24, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay on Wednesday, March 13.
The Golden Tigresses' dream start continues, as UST's 6-0 record in Season 86 now match the team's Season 73 start led by Rhea Dimaculangan and Aiza-Maizo Pontillas.
UP, meanwhile, remains winless in Season 86 with a 0-6 record.
Despite the Fighting Maroons' strong start in the first set, the Golden Tigresses showed their poise to snatch the lead and in turn the set victory late in the game.
The same scenario unfolded in the second set with UP managing to tie the game at 19-all. But at 20-19, Regina Jurado went on to score three out of the five-straight UST points, before Xyla Gulas finished the set with a soft touch.
In the third set, the Fighting Maroons once again kept the game close against the Golden Tigresses.
Tied at 20-all, UST and UP went back-and-forth with their attack points, even leading to an extended set. But in the end, the Golden Tigresses leaned on Angge Poyos and Jurado to seal the victory.
Poyos finished with 22 points built on 18 attacks and four aces, to go along with seven excellent digs and receptions. Fellow UST rookie Xyla Gula added 14 points, nine excellent digs, and 12 excellent receptions, while Jurado contributed 12 markers.
Steph Bustrillo, on the other hand, was UP's lone double-digit scorer with 14 points.