August 04, 2024
UST scuttles UE, grabs solo lead
UST scuttles UE, grabs solo lead
Unable to secure a victory over the University of the East with its power game, the University of Santo Tomas relied on its formidable defense to secure a 25-14, 25-19, 24-26, 25-19 win, claiming the early solo lead in the V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge at Paco Arena in Manila on Sunday.
Em Banagua's staunch defense late in the fourth set proved decisive, disrupting several UE attacks and frustrating the Lady Warriors as the rookie-laden Golden Tigresses roared to their second consecutive win following a 3-1 victory over the Lyceum Lady Pirates last week.
“Syempre maganda kasi nanalo kami. Magandang experience para sa mga rookies, pero ayun nga nakikita pa rin namin ‘yung mga sakit, mga on off ng player, but still, it’s a good game, big game para sa amin kasi grabe ‘yung depensa ng UE,” said UST head coach Kungfu Reyes.
Stephanie Bien Arasan and Regina Jurado led the Golden Tigresses with 12 points each, capping off the two-hour, eight-minute triumph with a strong performance in the fourth set.
UST had the opportunity to close it out in the third set, but Khy Cepada scored three consecutive points for UE, extending the match. The Lady Warriors kept the fourth set close until the Golden Tigresses pulled away with a series of hits anchored on their stifling net defense led by Banagua.
But it was a total team effort for the Golden Tigresses, with solid contributions from Angge Poyos (nine points) and Francine Osis, Jonna Perdido, and Banagua, who each scored eight points.
UST will aim for its third straight win against Far Eastern University on Sunday.
The Lady Warriors, meanwhile, slipped to 1-1 following a shutout victory over the College of St. Benilde. Cepada paced UE with 17 points and 11 excellent digs, while Jenalyn Umayam and Kayce Balingit chipped in 13 and 11 points, respectively.
The Lady Warriors will face reigning UAAP champions National University on August 14 at 5 p.m.
