Junior Golden Tigresses avert fourth straight loss with sweep of UPIS
By Joie Frances Timbas
The UST Junior Golden Tigresses erased their three-game losing skid with a sweep of the UPIS Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 85 high school girls volleyball tournament, 25–8, 25–11, 25–13, Tuesday afternoon, at Paco Arena.
In the opening set, the girls from España took control right away, 12–4, as they capitalized on service aces and quick attacks.
The margin ricocheted, 17–6, when the side of the Fighting Maroons called timeout to halt the momentum of Tigresses.
But easy scores over the UPIS defense kept coming for UST as they secured the first set, 25–11.
Come the second frame, Angeline Poyos’ three consecutive service aces gave the lead to the Tigresses and urged UPIS to call an early break, 8–2. However, the match remained one-sided as UST notched another set, 25–8.
In the third and final set, the starters except setter Ashley Magnayi were subbed out but still an early lead again came for the Tigresses, 5–1.
The small lead was quickly erased as the Fighting Maroons put the game at a deadlock, 6–6. But the momentum shifted back to UST to complete a straight set finish, 25–13.
This was the last game of the first round, putting the Tigresses at the fourth seed with a 2–3 standing.
Earlier in the day, the Junior Tiger Spikers did the same as they made quick work of the winless DLSZ Junior Archers in straight sets, 25–9, 25–4, 25–15.
The Tiger Spikers will look to secure the third spot as they battle the defending champions NSNU Bullpups on Thursday. Both teams have a 3–1 record.
