UST outlasts UP in five-set thriller to book semifinal spot
By Deinell Vincent Esplana
The UST Golden Tigresses survived the late scare of the UP Fighting Maroons in a five-set nail-biter victory, 27–25, 26–28, 25–18, 22–25, 17–15 in their Shakey’s Volleyball Super League quarterfinal knock-off match held at Rizal Memorial Coliseum, Sunday evening.
The win gave the Golden Tigresses the last semifinal seat in the league.
Both teams had an answer to each other in the fifth and final set but a kill by Regina Jurado punctuated the match in favor of the España-based squad, 17–15.
Prized-rookie Xyza Gula poured 20 points to help UST grab the victory, naming her as the match’s MVP.
It was the attack points that gave the edge to UST as they recorded 70 attack points against UP’s 52.
Pierre Abellana, who also contributed double digits, came out clutch for UST in the fifth set, scoring three straight points to help the Golden Tigresses build a three-point cushion, 12–9.
“Tinibayan lang po namin ang puso namin and ginawa lang po yung best namin tapos hindi po kami nag give up sa mga pinag gagawa po namin.” Gula stated when asked how did their team maintain their composure.
The Tigresses look to take down the reigning UAAP Women’s Volleyball champions NU Lady Bulldogs in their semifinal match-up this coming Friday, Nov. 11, at the same venue.
