UST Sweeps Adamson to Advance to UAAP Semifinals

UAAP University of Santo Tomas showed that past results mean nothing in the postseason as the Golden Tigresses dominated Adamson University, 25-16, 25-18, 25-19, to advance to the stepladder semifinals on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The straight-sets victory was a complete reversal of fortunes. Adamson had swept UST twice during the elimination round — 27-25, 25-22, 25-12 in the first round and 27-25, 25-20, 26-24 in the second round.

“Credit to our players. Grabe ‘yung effort na ginawa nila,” said UST head coach Shaq Delos Santos. “We didn’t train that intensely, but we focused on the right adjustments, better communication, and just giving everything on the court.”

The Golden Tigresses have now won two do-or-die matches this season. They first eliminated Far Eastern University in the playoff for the final semifinal spot last Saturday and will now aim for a third straight win when they face second-ranked National University on Saturday, 3 p.m., at the Big Dome, with a Finals berth on the line. UST went 0-2 against the defending champions during the eliminations.

La Salle, which completed a perfect 14-0 elimination round, awaits in the championship series set to begin on May 6.

Captain and libero Detdet Pepito, who anchored UST’s defense with 16 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions, expressed her joy after the win:

“Although we didn’t expect the game to end that quickly, I’m just so happy. Everyone really fought hard — especially the coaches and my teammates. Sobrang saya lang. Hindi ko pa rin alam kung totoo ito… kagabi, nakatulog na ako kakadasal kay Lord na sana ibigay ito sa amin.”

UST seized control of the match after overcoming a 12-13 deficit in the second set, with Angge Poyos and Regina Jurado sparking an 8-0 run to secure the set. A similar comeback occurred in the third set, where the Golden Tigresses turned a 12-13 deficit into a commanding lead.

Poyos led UST with 17 points, while Jurado added 13 points and 14 excellent digs. Jonna Perdido contributed 10 points, 10 digs, and seven receptions. Avril Bron also chipped in seven points.

On the other side, presumptive MVP Shaina Nitura was held to just 13 points on a poor 12-of-46 attacking clip. Frances Mordi scored 11 points, while Third Tuddao was Adamson’s next best scorer with only four points.

Adamson, which will keep its core intact next season, ended its campaign in fourth place in its return to the Final Four after a three-year absence.