Poyos delivers in the clutch as UST rallies past CSB

Angeline Poyos delivered a stellar 22-point performance, including crucial hits in the decisive fifth set, to lead University of Santo Tomas past College of St. Benilde, 25-16, 19-25, 14-25, 25-22, 15-12, extending the Golden Tigresses unbeaten run in the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena in Manila on Sunday.

Despite dropping back-to-back sets for the first time this season, the Golden Tigresses remained composed, relying on Poyos’ heroics to overcome Wielyn Estoque’s explosive 31-point outing for the Lady Blazers. The victory marked UST's fourth consecutive win in the seven-team league organized by Sports Vision.

“Maganda, at least naka-recover kami, ‘yun naman ang sinasabi namin sa players kanina – i-control ang dapat i-control, magkaroon ng composure in times na hindi sumasabay samin yung momentum. Na-overcome naman namin,” said UST head coach Kungfu Reyes.

Trailing 4-6 in the fifth set, UST turned to Poyos and middle blocker Pia Abbu, who sparked a 5-1 run to push the Golden Tigresses ahead, 9-7.

Jonna Perdido then stepped up with a critical crosscourt hit, followed by a game-winning service ace.

Earlier, UST took advantage of St. Benilde’s erratic play, forcing eight errors in the fourth set to level the match and set up the thrilling decider.

In the third set, the Lady Blazers surged with a decisive 15-4 run, capped by a backrow hit from Estoque, to seize control.

The Golden Tigresses dominated the early going, overwhelming the Lady Blazers in the attacking department with a 16-8 advantage. However, a slew of errors in the second set allowed Mary Borromeo and Estoque to lead St. Benilde back into the contest.

“Again, yung maturity in certain situations, at least nakukuha namin, regardless of the result. Importante is kung paano sila nagrreact doon sa mga instructions namin,” added Reyes. 

Poyos contributed 18 attacks, three blocks, and an ace to anchor UST’s comeback victory. She also tallied 10 excellent digs and six excellent receptions, while Perdido and Regina Jurado added 14 and 11 points, respectively.

UST will next face sister school Colegio de San Juan de Letran Lady Knights on Sept. 4.

Rhea Densing scored 14 points, while Borromeo added 11 markers for St. Benilde, which dropped to 2-3. The Lady Blazers will next clash with the Lyceum of the Philippines U Lady Pirates on Sept. 11.