University of Santo Tomas completed a perfect preliminary round in the 2024 V-League Collegiate Challenge Women’s Division by overcoming a strong challenge from Colegio de San Juan de Letran, taking a 25-15, 25-23, 25-27, 25-19 victory on Friday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
With a flawless 6-0 record, UST heads into the semifinals with high spirits, ready to face the reigning champion, College of Saint Benilde.
A significant factor in their success has been the outstanding performance of Ange Poyos, the UAAP Season 86 Rookie of the Year.
In the fourth set, Poyos played a crucial role, lifting UST from a narrow 16-13 lead with two key spikes. Regine Jurado and Marga Altea then sealed the victory in this intense two-hour match.
Poyos shared, "Marami kaming magandang experience dito sa mga games namin sa eliminations hanggang dito sa last game namin, which is nakatulong especially sa mga bata. Tulad nung kanina (sa third set), we're up by four, 'yung mga rookie error, nararamdaman nila. Sa mga pagkakamali na 'yon, madadala nila na, kumbaga mamba mentality na hindi na dapat mangyari sa kanila 'yon sa susunod."
Poyos finished the match with 17 points, all from attacks, and her 12 excellent receptions were pivotal in closing out the game against the Lady Knights.
Jurado also had a standout performance, once again leading as the top scorer with 18 points, including 14 attacks and four blocks. Bien Arasan contributed nine points and 18 digs to the Tigresses' victory.
For Letran, which concluded the tournament with a 2-4 win-loss record, Verenice Colendra was a key player, scoring 18 points, most of which came in the latter three sets.
Gia Maquilang added 11 points off the bench, while Sheena Sarie contributed 10 points.
