The UST Golden Tigresses are now winners of back-to-back games with a three-set clinic over the Ateneo Blue Eagles.
The UST Golden Tigresses are surging in momentum ahead of the tight race for the Final Four, as they notched their first straight-set win in the second round. The Espa
ña squad drubbed the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 25-15, 26-24, 26-24, in UAAP Season 87 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
UST rode the efficient offense of Angge Poyos, who was 15-of-34 in attacking, finishing with a total of 16 points. The Golden Tigresses were also able to lean on the support of Marga Altea and Mabeth Hilongo who combined for 18 markers.
The Golden Tigresses dug deep to get the sweep when they repulsed Ateneo in the second set, even if the Blue Eagles were the first to set point, 24-22.
But back-to-back errors on the side of Ateneo put UST right back in the set.
Altea and Poyos then scored to seal the deal for the Golden Tigresses and seize the 2-0 lead, 26-24.
In Set 3, the momentum continued to carry UST. The Golden Tigresses were ahead at the second technical timeout, 16-15, after another error was called on the Blue Eagles. Despite squandering a 24-22 lead late, as Ateneo tied to extend the set at 24-all, Poyos was able to save the day once again.
Poyos brought UST to match point anew with an attack before Cassie Carballo denied Alex Montoro at the net to complete the sweep.
UST thus improves to 7-4 and are currently in solo third in the standings. Meanwhile, Ateneo are at 4-7 and remain sixth in the league.
AC Miner paced Ateneo in the loss with 13 points.