MANILA, Philippines – The UST Golden Tigresses bucked a third-set loss with a huge blowout in the fourth to send the UP Fighting Maroons reeling to their third straight loss and mount a four-game winning streak, 25-11, 25-23, 23-25, 25-12, at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, March 5.
Star Tigresses Reg Jurado and Angge Poyos exploded for 22 and 21 points, respectively, to put UST at a 4-1 record, just behind undefeated NU (4-0), and kick UP down a 2-3 slate after once being ahead at 2-0.
Reigning Best Setter Cassie Carballo tossed 21 excellent sets with 7 points to boot, while two-time defending Best Libero Detdet Pepito chalked up 22 digs and 10 excellent receptions.
Reeling from a failed third set comeback attempt that saw them sink as many as 7, 16-9, before falling short, the Tigresses roared back with a vengeance in the fourth, exploding far ahead with the finish line in sight off a huge 19-6 swing, capped by a Cassie Carballo ace.
At that juncture, the 13-point separation was far too deep of a hole for UP to crawl out from as UST cruised to win No. 4, leaving their opening-day loss to FEU far behind in the rearview mirror.
Rookie Kianne Olango paced the Maroons’ third straight setback with 18 points off 14 attacks, 2 blocks, and 2 aces, while Joan Monares scored 13. – Rappler.com
