University of Santo Tomas continued its dominant form, overpowering College of Saint Benilde with an emphatic 25-20, 25-16, 25-13 victory in the semifinals of the V-League Collegiate Challenge Women’s Division at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Wednesday.
UST’s potent offense, led by Angge Poyos, Regine Jurado and a returning Jonna Perdido, crushed the Lady Blazers, particularly in the third set where the Golden Tigresses fired 17 kills against the Lady Blazers’ mere seven attacks.
The one-sided result brought UST closer to securing a return trip to the finals of the pre-season tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Assistant coach Yani Fernandez credited UST's stellar performance to their meticulous preparation, as they were eager to avenge last year’s finals loss to Saint Benilde.
“Pinaghandaan talaga namin ng maigi 'tong Benilde kasi last time umabot kami sa decision, sa fifth set. So, 'yung mga lapses namin that time, pinolish talaga namin," said Fernandez, standing in for head coach Kungfu Reyes, who was with the UST Junior Golden Tigresses for a UAAP match.
"Lahat ng tendencies ng St. Benilde, inaral namin, pinag-aralan, dinemo, ni-run through, kaya maganda naman talaga 'yung in-expect naming kalalabasan ng game," he added.
The Golden Tigresses’ game plan was evident from the start, with outside hitter Perdido, still recovering from a foot injury, leading the charge in the opening set. She ended the match with 13 points, including 11 attacks, complementing Poyos' 14 points, which were built on 10 spikes, two blocks, and two aces.
Regine Jurado also continued to shine offensively, contributing 12 points, while setter Cassie Carballo orchestrated UST’s offense with 15 excellent sets and added four points of her own.
UST’s commanding victory thus put the Golden Tigresses just one win away from a finals berth, as they aim to complete the sweep of Lady Blazers this Sunday at 12 p.m. at the same venue.
The Lady Blazers struggled to find their rhythm, with only Mary Grace Borromeo managing to score in double figures with 10 points from nine kills and a block. Zam Nolasco and Mycah Go were limited to eight and six points, respectively, as UST’s defense smothered CSB’s offense throughout the match.
