THE UST Tiger Sands’ six-year reign in UAAP women’s beach volleyball came to an end on Tuesday as they succumbed to the NU Lady Bulldogs, 21-16, 19-21, 15-11, in the Season 87 finals at the SM Sands by the Bay.
This marks the first time the Tiger Sands failed to capture the title in the women’s division since Season 78 in 2015.
“Hindi naman palagi champions so we take this as a learning opportunity for the girls,” UST head coach Paul Doloiras told the Varsitarian.
“Tuloy-tuloy lang kami. Tuloy-tuloy ang development,” he added.
NU’s Honey Grace Cordero and Kat Epa had a strong start in the first set, leading 15-8, keeping the Tiger Sands at bay en route to a 21-16 win
After trailing by as much as three points in the second set, UST went on a 10-5 run to force the decider, 21-19.
Tied at 6-all, the Tiger Sands conceded a 4-0 run, before NU connected timely attacks to end UST’s dynasty, 15-11.
“Siguro hindi talaga para sa amin ‘to, pero ‘yong girls, binigay nila lahat ngayon. Alam kong ginawa nila ‘yan para sa UST,” Doloiras said.
Progella won the ROTY award, while NU’s Cordero won the MVP plum.
UST’s duo of Progella and Sofiah Pagara swept the eliminations after dominating the Lady Bulldogs in their last game, 21-16, 21-11. They then defeated the FEU Lady Tamaraws in the semifinals to clinch the finals berth.
UST has won the tournament nine times, the most in the women’s division.
