The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses decisively eliminated the Adamson Lady Falcons in the UAAP Season 88 Women's Volleyball stepladder semifinals, securing their path to face the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs. The fourth-seeded España-based spikers achieved a commanding straight-sets victory, 25-20, 25-22, 25-18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, overturning a season-long struggle against their San Marcelino rivals.
This triumph marks a significant breakthrough for UST, who had been swept by Adamson in both of their regular season encounters. The victory not only keeps the Tigresses’ championship aspirations alive but also showcases a remarkable transformation in their tactical approach and mental fortitude, setting the stage for another high-stakes challenge against a formidable NU squad that also holds a perfect record against them this season.
From the opening serve in a charged Araneta Coliseum, the Golden Tigresses played with an urgency that suggested a team transformed. Their offensive machine, spearheaded by the dynamic Angge Poyos, fired on all cylinders, while their defensive efforts suffocated Adamson’s key attackers, limiting their options and forcing uncharacteristic errors. The atmosphere, electric with fervent support for both institutions, only amplified the intensity of the collegiate showdown.
Angge Poyos, a consistent force throughout the season, led the charge for UST with a game-high 17 points, showcasing her versatile skillset with powerful attacks, supplemented by eight digs and seven receptions. Her late-game, through-the-block hit was a defining moment, sealing the final set and effectively the match for the Tigresses, eliciting a roar from the UST faithful.
The victory, however, was far from a solo effort. Regina Jurado contributed 13 points and 14 receptions, consistently providing offensive punch and shoring up the backline. Jonna Perdido added 10 markers, complemented by 10 digs and seven receptions, underscoring UST’s balanced attack and diverse threats from various positions on the court. Avril Bron also made her presence felt with seven crucial points, including two pivotal scores late in the final set that set the stage for Poyos’s match-ending heroics.
Anchoring the defense and often initiating the offense was team captain and libero Detdet Pepito, whose stellar performance earned her Player of the Game honors. Pepito orchestrated the defense with an impressive 16 digs, nine excellent receptions, and four excellent sets, her leadership proving invaluable in containing Adamson’s potent offense and dictating the tempo of the match. Her ability to read the opponent’s attacks and position her teammates effectively was a critical factor in UST’s dominant display.
UST head coach Shaq Delos Santos alluded to the comprehensive preparation that underpinned this turnaround. "To be honest, it would have been better if we had won in the elims. But we really drew strength from that," Delos Santos said, highlighting how previous losses fueled their determination. "It added to our eagerness. We really studied them, which is why we were able to keep up." His statement underscored a strategic adjustment that allowed the Tigresses to dismantle their rivals with a clinical efficiency that defied their past matchups.
For the Adamson Lady Falcons, the defeat brought an abrupt end to what had been a remarkable season. Under the guidance of coach JP Yude, they had achieved their first Final Four appearance since Season 85 in 2023, breaking a three-year drought and signalling their resurgence as a competitive force in the league. Their campaign was largely fueled by the stellar play of Season 88 MVP Shaina Nitura, who, despite the loss, still managed to contribute 13 points, 11 receptions, and seven digs. Frances Mordi also chipped in with 11 points, but the collective effort from the Lady Falcons was simply not enough to overcome a determined UST squad.
UST’s defensive strategy proved particularly effective in limiting Adamson’s key offensive weapons. The Tigresses successfully stifled Nitura, forcing her to a 12-of-45 attacking clip, a testament to their focused blocking and floor defense. The constant pressure applied by UST also forced Adamson to commit 23 unforced errors, a clear indicator of the intensity of the match and the effectiveness of the Tigresses' game plan. These errors often came at critical junctures, preventing Adamson from building momentum.
The road ahead for UST remains challenging. Their victory over Adamson sets up another do-or-die match against the No. 2 seeded National University Lady Bulldogs on Saturday, May 2, also at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Like Adamson, NU also proved to be a formidable opponent for the Tigresses in the elimination round, sweeping them in both of their encounters. This means UST will need to overcome yet another team that has historically had their number this season, demanding another display of adaptability and resolve.
The winner of the UST-NU clash will then advance to the best-of-three Finals to face the undefeated De La Salle University Lady Spikers, who earned an outright finals berth by sweeping the eliminations with a perfect 14-0 record. De La Salle stands as the undisputed top team, presenting the ultimate hurdle for any championship contender.
The context of this stepladder match cannot be overstated, particularly given the historical narrative between the two teams this season. Adamson had not only swept UST in the elimination round but had done so convincingly, often exploiting UST’s struggles in closing out tight sets and maintaining momentum. In their first-round encounter, Adamson overpowered UST with scores of 27-25, 25-22, 25-12, demonstrating a clear advantage in execution. The second-round meeting, a close 27-25, 25-20, 26-24 affair, saw Adamson rally despite UST holding leads, further cementing their regular season dominance. This history made UST’s sweep in the stepladder all the more surprising and commendable, signaling a significant tactical adjustment and profound mental fortitude on the part of the Golden Tigresses.
UST’s journey to this point has been a testament to their resilience and ability to perform under immense pressure. They secured their spot in the stepladder semifinals only after defeating the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws in a playoff for the fourth seed, navigating a high-stakes sudden-death match to keep their season alive. This latest victory against Adamson, therefore, is not just a single win, but a powerful statement of intent, showcasing a team that learns from past failures, adapts its strategies, and elevates its game when the stakes are highest.
As they prepare to face National University, the volleyball world watches to see if this "vintage Tigresses" form can carry them further into championship contention, defying expectations and rewriting their Season 88 narrative yet again.