The UST Tigresses celebrate against FEU in the 2024 V-League Women's Collegiate Challenge, Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. PVL MediaMANILA -- University of Santo Tomas is one game closer towards a sweep of the 2024 V-League Women's Collegiate Challenge after turning back Far Eastern University on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The Tigresses imposed their will against their traditional rivals, 25-22, 25-18, 25-14, for a 1-0 lead in the best-of-3 championship series.

UST had to overcome a shaky start before eventually dominating the Lady Tamaraws in the second and third sets, even claiming a comfortable 8-2 lead in Set 3.

Angge Poyos scored back-to-back hits for a 19-9 UST advantage, putting her team on the way to victory in just an hour and 30 minutes.

The Tigresses have now won all nine of their matches in the league, and can go for a perfect campaign on Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. in the same Pasig City venue.

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"Nung first set kasi down by three or basta malaki lamang nila kaya matagal kaming naka-recover. Kaya ang in-emphasize namin sa kanila is huwag kaming titigil hangga't hindi pumipito 'yung ref," said UST head coach Kungfu Reyes.

Reyes called for an early timeout in the first set after UST surrendered four straight points to FEU. It proved effective, with setter Cassie Carballo and the top-seeded Tigresses finding their rhythm despite challenges from FEU at the net.

Carballo tallied 15 excellent sets to steer UST to victory, while Regine Jurado delivered 11 points, including a crucial kill that sealed the final set.

Poyos powered the Tigresses with a game-high 15 points, all from attacks, while Perdido chipped in 10 points.

Middle blocker Jean Asis added nine points, and Gerzel Petallo contributed eight markers for the Lady Tamaraws.

FEU faced setbacks in the second set as Petallo suffered cramps, and team captain Tin Ubaldo endured an awkward fall, resulting in her being wheeled off the court just before the match concluded.