Photo: UAAP

By Nate Castillo

University of Santo Tomas strengthened its semifinals drive with a 25-21, 26-24, 25-20, sweep of University of the East in the resumption of University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 women’s volleyball tournament action on Easter Sunday.

The Golden Tigresses needed to survive a tough fightback by the Lady Warriors in the second set and some scary moments in the third for back-to-back wins that improved their win-loss record to 7-4 in third spot, to the delight of the partisan crowd inside the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

Photo: UAAP

Angge Poyos posted 17 points on 14 kills, one bill block and two aces, including the match-clinching service winner for UST. Poyos added nine digs and six excellent receptions.

Photo: UAAP

Regina Jurado chipped in 11 markers and nine digs, Avril Bron had eight points while Blessing Unekwe and Xya Gula added six and five markers, respectively, for the Tigresses.

Photo: UAAP

UST got into trouble in the second set after squandering a nine-point lead when it allowed UE to save nine set points to force a deuce, 24-24.

A costly service error by Shania Olmoguez gave the Tigresses back the set point advantage before Bron scored a kill block on Khy Cepada for a 2-0 match lead.

UST erased an early deficit in the third frame before building enough separation to keep the Lady Warriors at bay.

UE remained winless in 11 starts and has lost a total of 25 straight since last season.

Cepada had 17 points on 15 kills and two aces while Bea Zamudio added 12 for the also-ran Lady Warriors.