Tigresses clip Lady Falcons to sweep 1st round

MANILA, Philippines -- The UST Golden Tigresses completed a first round sweep of the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament after turning back the Adamson Lady Falcons, 25-18, 22-25, 25-15, 28-26, Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

UST’s 7-0 first round is its best start in the Final Four era, but it did not come easily, as the España-based Spikers needed two hours and five minutes to tally the victory.

The Lady Falcons trailed by two, 18-20, late in the fourth set after a kill by Angeline Poyos.

But they were able to tie the game up at 21-all and 22-all as they would not go away.

The Lady Falcons eventually overtook the Tigresses with an off-speed attack by captain Lucille Almonte, 23-22.

UST was then thrust to a position to play catchup, as Almonte and Perdido traded points.

After Almonte gave Adamson a one-point lead, 26-25, the rookie Poyos showed nerves of steel and erupted for three straight points to bag the win, 28-26.

The super rookie had 18 points for UST, while Jonna Perdido added 16.
Jurado chipped in 12 as well.

Lalongisip had a team-high 14 points for Adamson, with Almonte and Adolfo backstopping with 12 each.

The Tigresses were able to start the match with ease, easily getting the first set as the team dominated the defense of the Lady Falcons.

Come the second set, however, Adamson came alive, going up by four, 18-22, with an Ishie Lalongisip down-the-line attack.

UST was able to cut the lead to two, 21-23, with an error by the Lady Falcons, but Sharya Ancheta and AA Adolfo powered through to help them grab the second set.

The unbeaten squad then overwhelmed their opponents in the third set to inch closer to the sweep.

The Lady Falcons are going into the second round with a 2-5 record.