Poyos Powers UST to Victory Over UP, Keeps Final Four Dreams Alive

University of Santo Tomas kept its Final Four aspirations intact with a hard-fought 23-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-19 victory over the University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Golden Tigresses improved to an 8-5 record, staying a game ahead of the FEU Lady Tamaraws, who hold a 7-6 slate, heading into the final day of the elimination round.

This win sets up a crucial clash against National University on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where a victory would guarantee UST’s spot in the Final Four. FEU, meanwhile, will also face Ateneo de Manila University on the same day.

“Everyone knows how important this game was for our Final Four push,” said Golden Tigresses assistant coach Yani Fernandez. “This win is like a temporary band-aid to our standings. We told the team, why not take this opportunity and move one step ahead of FEU?”

Already up 2-1 in sets, UST refused to let their chance slip away, with Lianne Penuliar, Angge Poyos, and Regina Jurado leading the charge. The Golden Tigresses surged ahead with a decisive 19-12 run in the fourth set, eventually closing out the match in two hours and seven minutes.

“This game was crucial, and our mindset as a team was to give it our all, no holding back, and to trust in ourselves, our teammates, and the system we have in place,” said Poyos, who finished with 25 points, 11 excellent digs, and eight excellent receptions.

After carrying much of the load in last week’s tough loss to Adamson University, Poyos received valuable support this time around, as Jurado added 17 points and Jonna Perdido contributed 13 points and nine receptions.

Rookie middle blockers Avril Bron and Penuliar also stepped up with eight points apiece, while setter Cassie Carballo delivered 29 excellent sets to fuel the offense.

Libero Detdet Pepito anchored the defense with 18-of-30 excellent digs and 13-of-19 excellent receptions.

UP, meanwhile, ended its campaign in sixth place with a 5-9 record, a step back from last season’s 6-8 finish.

Graduating players Niña Ytang and Irah Jaboneta led the Fighting Maroons in their final outing. The three-time Best Middle Blocker Ytang scored 19 points on 18-of-30 kills, while Jaboneta delivered an all-around performance with 16 points, 17 receptions, and 11 digs.

Jelai Gajero added 12 points and nine digs, while Bienne Bansil contributed 10 points, including five blocks.

Joan Monares, who had been sidelined for much of the season due to a back injury, also played in her final match for UP, marking the end of her career with a heartfelt rendition of “UP Naming Mahal.”