The UST Golden Tigresses pushed the Arellano University Lady Chiefs to the limit before falling in five sets, 25-21, 21-25, 33-31, 23-25, 15-13, in the V-League Collegiate Challenge on Saturday, Aug. 22, at Gameville Central Park.
The UST suffered its first loss in two games, following a sweep of San Beda on Aug. 16.
Angge Poyos led the Golden Tigresses with 23 points, coming from 19 attacks, three blocks, and an ace.
The Lady Chiefs raced to a 16-8 lead in the opening set before the Golden Tigresses mounted a comeback. However, a Crisanta Servidad kill secured the set for Arellano, 25-21.
The Tigresses came out strong in the second set with an 8-4 run sparked by Julia Balingit’s ace. Poyos added five points, including the set-clinching kill, as UST leveled the match at one set apiece, 25-21.
The teams traded attacks throughout the third set, resulting in 25 deadlocks. With the score tied at 31, back-to-back crosscourt hits from Poyos gave UST the set, 33-31.
Arellano responded with a 7-3 start in the fourth set, highlighted by a kill from Fhaye Mangubat. The Lady Chiefs continued to break through UST’s defense before Servidad’s attack forced a deciding fifth set, 25-23.
The final frame kept tight and was tied at 13-all before consecutive kills from Arellano secured the 15-13 victory.
Servidad paced the Lady Chiefs with 25 points.
The Tigresses will next face the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Lady Altas on Sunday, Aug. 30, at the same venue. Charles Martin A. Manalang
