MANILA, Philippines – University of Santo Tomas made sure there won’t be any premature celebration this time.
After blowing match point in Game 2, the UST Golden Tigresses shook off the emotional baggage to hack out a 24-26, 25-20, 25-21, 25-14 triumph over Far Eastern University in the do-or-die title match to capture the 2024 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge championship on Friday, October 4, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
MVP Angge Poyos unloaded 31 points built on 29 attacks and 2 blocks to power the Tigresses to their first league title since 2010, the same year they bagged the UAAP Season 72 women’s volleyball crown.
“I’m very happy that I’m back in Game 3,” said Poyos, who got sidelined due to illness in Game 2, where the Tigresses celebrated a 14-13 lead in the fifth set, only to witness the Lady Tamaraws pull off a stunning comeback and force a winner-take-all match.
“My first goal was to really help the team, so I’m thankful that we got the championship,” the 20-year-old outside hitter added in Filipino.
Finals MVP Cassie Carballo orchestrated UST’s offense masterfully with 19 excellent sets, while also adding 5 points.
After clinching a 2-1 set advantage, the Tigresses charged into the fourth set with an early 14-6 lead, fueled by a service ace from Reg Jurado and an attack error by Lovely Lopez.
That third-set win seemed to drain the fight out of the Lady Tamaraws as Poyos and Jurado led a relentless attack in the fourth set.
The quick strike from Pia Abbu and back-to-back hits from Jurado sealed the 11-point set victory.
“The team is very happy that we recovered from an upset loss in Game 2,” UST head coach Kungfu Reyes said in Filipino.
“We finally experienced to be champions again in the V-League, that’s why we’re feeling overwhelmed,” he added.
Jurado finished with 15 points on 12 attacks, 2 aces, and a block, while Perdido added 10 points.
Faida Bakanke led FEU with 16 points, built on 11 attacks, 4 blocks, and an ace as the Lady Tamaraws settled for a second straight silver finish after also bowing to the CSB Lady Blazers last season. – Rappler.com