Tigresses zoom in on 1st-round sweep, stymie Maroons 

MANILA, Philippines – The UST Golden Tigresses are one win away from a first round sweep of the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament after grinding out a three-set sweep of the UP Fighting Maroons, 25-22, 25-20, 26-24, at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.

Despite the sweep, the Espana-based volleybelles had to come from behind in all three sets to win their sixth straight game of the season. 

In the third set, the Maroons led by two, 17-15.

The Tigresses then unleashed four straight points to grab a 19-15 cushion capped by an attack error by Joan Monares. 

The usually steady Cassie Carballo committed a service error that halted the run. 

UP was able to tie the third set at 20-all with a service error by Angeline Poyos. 

Maroon Steph Bustrillo caused the Espana-based squad to regain the lead anew, 21-20, before Monares tied the set up once again. 

This went on until the 24th point, as Poyos and Bustrillo exchanged attacks to bring the third set to an extension. 

The super rookie Poyos and the veteran Reg Jurado then ended the match with back-to-back points to secure UST’s sixth win of the tourney.

Poyos tied her season-low with 22 points built on 18 attacks and four service aces. 

Xyza Gula added 14 points, while Jurado added 12 markers. 

Bustrillo had 14 points for UP, who played without main gun Nina Ytang. 

She was the lone Maroon in double digits as she was followed by Monares with seven markers. 

UST remains on top of the competition with a 6-0 record, while UP dropped to the opposite side of the standings at 0-6.