UST Golden Tigresses Bounce Back in UAAP Season 87 After Initial Setback
The UST Golden Tigresses faced an early UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball defeat against FEU, but have since rallied with a three-game winning streak, including a four-set victory over Adamson. Assistant coach Yani Fernandez credits the initial loss as a “wake-up call,” fueling the team’s improved communication and strategic playmaking. Angge Poyos and Pia Abbu lead UST’s resurgence, showcasing the Tigresses’ resilience and determination as they aim for continued momentum in the UAAP tournament.
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses faced a challenging start to their UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball campaign, suffering a defeat in their opening match against Far Eastern University (FEU). This initial loss served as a critical wake-up call for the team, prompting them to regroup and refocus their efforts. Assistant coach Yani Fernandez emphasized the importance of this early setback, stating, “Our loss in the first game was a wake-up call, especially for the younger players. We took it as both a challenge and motivation because we knew they could come back stronger.”
Following the loss to FEU, the Tigresses embarked on a three-game winning streak, culminating in a hard-fought victory against the Adamson Lady Falcons. The match, which took place at the Mall of Asia Arena, saw UST triumph in four sets with a scoreline of 25-21, 20-25, 25-13, 27-25. This victory was a testament to the team’s ability to learn from their initial defeat and make necessary adjustments.
Bouncing Back: The Tigresses’ Winning Formula ###
The Tigresses’ turnaround was not a mere stroke of luck but the result of deliberate efforts to address early season weaknesses. UST assistant coach Yani Fernandez highlighted the team’s response to their initial loss, noting, “We had meetings and discussions, and I think it’s showing in their performance. They’re slowly proving their ability to bounce back in practice. It’s not yet at 100 percent, but we can see the progress.” The team’s focus on communication and chemistry, which had been lacking due to the integration of new players, played a significant role in their resurgence.
The leadership of UST ace Angge Poyos was instrumental in the team’s recovery. Poyos, who led the team with 21 points against Adamson, emphasized the team’s resilience and improved connection. “We became tougher,” she said. “Even after losing the first game, we remained complete. Our connection as a team has improved, and that’s the most important thing.” Her performance, coupled with the efforts of Regina Jurado and Pia Abbu, showcased the Tigresses’ depth and determination.
Unsung Heroes: The Impact of Senior Spiker Pia Abbu ###
Amidst the spotlight on the team’s star players, senior spiker Pia Abbu emerged as an unsung hero for the Tigresses. With some of UST’s main players struggling with health issues, Abbu’s contribution was crucial in securing the victory against Adamson. She finished the match with 10 points, including two aces, and played a vital role in maintaining the team’s momentum.
Abbu’s leadership extended beyond the court, as she took on the role of a mentor to the team’s rookies. “It’s important that I get to contribute because, of course, I’m a senior now,” Abbu said. “I also want to lead them outside of the court because I’m an ‘Ate’ now, especially since our team has a lot of rookies. If some of us need to step up, we just do it with heart.” Her guidance and performance were pivotal in ensuring the Tigresses did not falter in the face of adversity.
Mastering the Game: UST’s Strategic Playmaking ###
The Tigresses’ victory over Adamson was not just about individual performances but also about strategic playmaking. Cassie Carballo’s masterful setting was a key factor in UST’s success, as she delivered 20 excellent sets during the match. This allowed the Tigresses to execute their game plan effectively and counter Adamson’s strong offensive plays.
Carballo’s sets enabled players like Jurado and Abbu to capitalize on their strengths, contributing to the team’s balanced scoring. Jurado tallied 17 points, while Abbu’s 10 points included crucial contributions at critical moments. The team’s ability to adapt and execute their strategy under pressure was evident in their ability to close out the match despite a strong challenge from Adamson.
Adamson’s Fight: A Tale of Inconsistency and Resilience ###
On the other side of the net, the Adamson Lady Falcons put up a valiant fight against UST, despite ultimately falling short. The Lady Falcons’ performance was marked by flashes of brilliance, particularly from rookie Shaina Nitura, who led her team with 28 points. However, their inconsistency in crucial moments proved to be their undoing.
Adamson coach JP Yude acknowledged the need for improved consistency across all aspects of the game. “We should work on our consistencies, from the services to the attacks, everything,” he said. “We have to respond properly during those crucial situations and moments.” The Lady Falcons’ inability to maintain their momentum, particularly in the final set, was a significant factor in their defeat.
Despite the loss, Adamson’s resilience was evident, with players like Nitura and Frances Mordi showing their potential. Nitura’s performance was particularly noteworthy, as she not only scored 28 points but also contributed 14 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions. Her all-around game was a highlight for Adamson, even in defeat.
The Battle of Chemistry and Defense ###
The match between UST and Adamson highlighted the importance of team chemistry and defensive strategies. The Tigresses’ improved communication and cohesion were evident throughout the game, allowing them to execute their game plan effectively. UST’s defensive efforts, led by captain Detdet Pepito, were crucial in securing the victory. Pepito’s 13 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions played a significant role in keeping Adamson’s offense at bay.
Adamson, on the other hand, struggled with their defensive consistency, which UST exploited to their advantage. Coach JP Yude noted, “Somehow, UST’s floor defense was just better so we have to work on that for our next training.” The Lady Falcons’ defensive lapses in crucial moments allowed UST to capitalize and secure the win.
The contrast in defensive strategies and team chemistry between the two teams was a deciding factor in the match. UST’s ability to maintain their defensive focus and improve their on-court communication was pivotal in their three-game winning streak.
Looking Ahead: UST’s Continued Momentum ###
With their recent victory over Adamson, the UST Golden Tigresses are poised to continue their winning momentum. Their next challenge comes against the University of the Philippines (UP), a team that has been steadily improving. The Tigresses are determined to stick to their system and game plan, as emphasized by Pia Abbu. “We’ll stick to the system and our game plan for UP. We’ll prepare for them when we go back to training on Monday with the guidance of our coaches.”
Despite their recent success, UST remains focused on continuous improvement. Team captain Detdet Pepito stressed the importance of maintaining their drive and effort. “We still have a long way to go, and I keep reminding them that we need to be patient,” she said. “Even though we’re winning, we can’t be satisfied with what we’ve achieved. We need to double our effort. As Reg [Jurado] said, ‘mind over matter’—this battle is all about heart.”
Implications and Conclusion: The Road Ahead for UST and Adamson ###
The UST Golden Tigresses’ journey in UAAP Season 87 reflects the importance of resilience, teamwork, and strategic adjustments. Their ability to bounce back from an early loss and embark on a three-game winning streak showcases their potential to compete at the highest level. As they continue to refine their game and build on their chemistry, the Tigresses are well-positioned to challenge for the top spot in the tournament.
For the Adamson Lady Falcons, the loss to UST serves as a reminder of the areas they need to improve. Consistency in their play, particularly in crucial moments, will be key to their success moving forward. With talented players like Shaina Nitura leading the charge, Adamson has the potential to turn their season around and become a formidable opponent.
As both teams look ahead to their upcoming matches, the lessons learned from their recent encounters will be crucial. UST’s focus on maintaining their momentum and Adamson’s efforts to enhance their consistency will shape their paths in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament. The journey ahead promises exciting volleyball action as these teams strive to achieve their goals and leave their mark on the season.
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