University of Santo Tomas, despite being heavily filled with rookies, hurdled Lyceum of the Philippines University, 25-22, 23-25, 25-20, 25-17, to kick off the 2024 V-League Women’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena yesterday (Sunday).
Angge Poyos and Jonna Perdido delivered 16 points apiece, while Marga Altea and Regina Jurado combined for 26 markers for the Golden Tigresses, whose focus wasn’t solely on the results but on observing their responses and adaptability in various situations.
“Halos puro rookie naglaro ngayon, pero whatever the result, gusto lang namin makita is paano sila mag-react for different scenarios, paano yung adjustment and judgment, kasi skills-wise nandiyan na,” said UST head coach Kungfu Reyes.
UST made quick work of LPU in the fourth set, storming to a six-point lead, capped by a Perdido offspeed hit, 16-10.
A Perdido tipover and Jurado’s through-the-block conversion completed the Golden Tigresses’ victory over the Lady Pirates.
After barely taking the opening set, the Golden Tigresses ran into a spate of miscues, ending up with 13 and enabling their NCAA rivals to draw level.
“May mga lapses, pero mas marami ang nakakaadapt doon sa system, ang kailangan na lang is yung consistency ng galaw, ‘yun naman ang intention,” said Reyes, who wards recovered in the pivotal third set.
Johna Dolorito paced the Lady Pirates with 15 points, while Janeth Tulang and Heart Bio chipped in 11 and 10 markers, respectively.
UST will next face the University of the East on Aug. 4, while LPU tries to bounce back against the University of the Philippines on Aug. 7.
