V-League: UST makes it two wins in a row after fending off UE

The UST Golden Tigresses celebrate during their game against UE in the 2024 V-League Women's Collegiate Challenge, August 4, 2024 at the Paco Arena. PVL Media

MANILA -- University of Santo Tomas powered to its second straight win in the 2024 V-League Women's Collegiate Challenge on Sunday, holding off the University of the East in four sets at the Paco Arena.

The Golden Tigresses leaned on their defense to hack out a 25-14, 25-19, 24-26, 25-19 triumph and seize the solo lead in the tournament. The Espana-based spikers previously defeated Lyceum in four sets 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 Em 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.