UAAP: UST overwhelms Adamson to advance in women's volleyball stepladder semis

Riding its hot form, the University of Santo Tomas took care of third-seeded Adamson University, 25-16, 25-18, 25-19 in the first round of the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball stepladder semis Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. 

This marked UST' second straight win, previously defeating Far Eastern University to solidify its place in this season’s Final Four. 

Angge Poyos scored 17 points to go along with eight excellent digs and seven excellent receptions, helping UST eliminate the Lady Falcons from finals contention.

Team captain and libero Detdet Pepito was given Player of the Game honors after her excellent defensive display of 16 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions; both of which were team-highs.

Reg Jurado also provided in key stretches, particularly in the third set where she scored three consecutive points to kickstart a UST run which gave it enough cushion to see out the match.

The opposite spiker subsequently finished with 13 points on 11 attacks and two service aces, while also chalking up 14 excellent digs.

Expecting a challenging bout versus Adamson, Golden Tigresses head coach Shaq Delos Santos lauded his team for stepping up with the season on the line.

“Grabe 'yung effort na ginawa [nila]. Actually, hindi naman todo-todo 'yung training pero mas inaral lang kung ano yung tamang galaw, mas nagkaroon ng communication, and siguro yung effort nila na i-all out din 'yung sarili nila sa game…we’re so happy and proud,” said Delos Santos.

Veterans Jurado and Pepito, meanwhile, were overjoyed with the outcome as it gave them another chance to achieve their ultimate goal this year.

“Yung patience and yung [mga] pinaghirapan namin, ginawa naming sacrifice all throughout, nagbunga today. I hope maipakita pa namin sa mga susunod na games until dulo,” maintained Jurado.

“Sobrang saya lang, hindi ko pa rin alam kung totoo ba ‘to kasi kagabi parang nakatulog na ‘ko kaka-dasal kay Lord na paulit-ulit na sana ibigay ‘to sa amin,” shared team captain Pepito.

Meanwhile it is the end of what was otherwise a strong season for a young Adamson squad. Sophomore and presumptive Most Valuable Player Shaina Nitura led the Lady Falcons in its efforts with 13 points, 11 excellent receptions, and seven digs. 

The España-based team aims to grab the last finals seat when it meets titleholders National University in the next round of stepladder action on Saturday, 3:00 PM in the same venue.

—JKC, GMA News