UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas roared back from two sets down to beat University of the East 23-25, 23-25, 25-14, 25-17, 15-9 and emerge unbeaten in Pool B of the 2024 Shakey’s Super League Collegiate Pre-Season Championship last Sunday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Angge Poyos took over in the fifth set, banging in crucial hits as the Growling Tigresses pulled away early to complete a four-game sweep of the opening pool stage and build momentum heading into the next round.
The sophomore winger scored eight of her game-high 28 points in the deciding frame, including the match-clinching spike from the left corner to finish off the erstwhile undefeated Lady Warriors in the thrilling two-hour, 27-minute match in the tournament backed by Shakey’s Pizza Parlor, GCash, Chery Tiggo, F2 Logistics, Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken, Potato Corner, R and B Milk Tea and Summit Water.
Three-peat-seeking National University crushed also-ran San Beda University 25-19, 25-7, 25-17 for a 3-0 card in Pool A.
“Nag-stick lang kami sa sistema and nakinig lang kami sa instructions ng mga coaches and ‘yung communication and enjoyment ibinalik lang namin nu’ng third, fourth and fifth set. Talaganng malaking factor dinyun kung bakit namin nakuha ang panalo,” said Poyos, who smashed in 25 attacks and three kill blocks.
Regina Jurado added 15 points while Jonna Perdido finished with 14 markers for UST, which halted UE’s three-game romp.
Poyos went on a tear at the start of the deciding frame, scoring four hits in the Tigresses’ hot 5-0 start.
The Lady Warriors tried to push back with Casiey Dongallo scoring a kill to cut the deficit to three 11-8, only for UST to answer with three straight points punctuated by a Jurado attack.
Dongallo saved a match point, but it was too late as Poyos fired back to seal the deal.
Jelai Gajero and Dongallo paced UE with 14 points each and a combined 27 kills while KC Cepada had 11 markers.
The Tigresses will battle Far Eastern University and the second-ranked teams in Pool A and C in another round-robin play for one of the two twice-to-beat quarterfinals advantages at stake. The Lady Warriors will play De La Salle University, the top seed in Pool A and second seed in Pool D in the next round.
Myrtle Escanlar uncorked 13 points off 11 attacks, one kill block and an ace while reigning tournament Most Valuable Player Alyssa Solomon added 12 markers for the Lady Bulldogs’ dominating win.
