Five-Set Escape Highlights UST’s Competitive V-League Campaign

Marga Altea delivered an all-around performance as University of Santo Tomas survived University of the East across five demanding sets. The Golden Tigresses prevailed, 24-26, 25-17, 25-23, 20-25, 15-5, after dominating Saturday’s decisive fifth frame in Mandaluyong City.

Altea Powers UST Through Decisive Fifth Set

Aeron Paul Valderrama of Tiebreaker Times detailed UST’s strong recovery after the Golden Tigresses surrendered momentum during the fourth set. UST raced toward an 8-2 advantage in the decider, immediately preventing UE from extending its momentum into another competitive frame.

Altea personally outscored the entire Lady Warriors lineup, 6-5, during a fifth set dominated by UST’s aggressive response. Her service ace created a commanding 13-4 advantage before Ash Knop eventually completed the two-hour, nine-minute match victory.

Image from: ABS-CBN

Golden Tigresses Dominate Decider After Losing Fourth Frame

UST responded decisively after losing the fourth set, establishing immediate control before UE could generate another significant momentum swing. Altea’s six-point contribution during the final frame reflected her ability to deliver when the Golden Tigresses needed offensive production most.

Young Tigresses Respond Without Veteran Leaders

UST secured the victory without seniors Reg Jurado and Angge Poyos, creating additional responsibilities throughout the Golden Tigresses’ younger rotation. Head coach Shaq Delos Santos praised his players for moving beyond earlier mistakes and responding aggressively during the deciding frame.

“Good thing yung naka-recover sila. Sabi ko nga sa kanila, kung ano yung mga nangyari nung first four sets, kalimutan na yan. Good thing naging ganito yung response nila,” Delos Santos said.

That response carried additional significance because UST needed younger players handling pressure without two established offensive leaders available. Their fifth-set execution demonstrated valuable composure after UE forced another momentum shift by taking the fourth frame, 25-20.

Delos Santos Praises UST’s Response Under Pressure

Delos Santos emphasized UST’s ability to forget earlier mistakes and approach the deciding set with renewed competitive aggression. That mental reset became particularly valuable for a younger rotation already carrying greater responsibilities because of key veteran absences.

Altea Nearly Completes Triple-Double Against UE

Altea finished with 21 points through 16 attacks, two blocks, and three aces while providing significant backcourt production. She also recorded 12 excellent receptions and nine digs, finishing only one dig short of completing a triple-double.

Those numbers demonstrate Altea’s influence beyond scoring because she contributed through reception, floor defense, blocking, and consistent service pressure. The incoming junior and former UST High School captain strengthened her case for greater responsibility within the Golden Tigresses’ developing rotation.

Twenty-One Points Highlight Impressive Two-Way Production

Altea’s production gave UST contributions across several phases rather than relying exclusively on her attacking performance against the Lady Warriors. Her reception and defensive numbers became especially valuable as the Golden Tigresses navigated lineup changes and a demanding five-set contest.

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Balingit Injury Tests UST’s Growing Rotation Depth

Julia Balingit scored 19 points before suffering a right ankle injury during the fourth set of Saturday’s five-set contest. Knop replaced the Filipino-Japanese winger and later scored the match-ending point, helping UST navigate another unexpected disruption within its rotation.

Cassie Carballo also provided stability as acting captain, distributing 30 excellent sets throughout the two-hour, nine-minute encounter against UE. UST improved to 2-1 and next meets Perpetual, while the Lady Warriors dropped to 1-2 despite Van Bangayan’s 18 points.

Knop Steps In Before Scoring Match-Ending Point

Knop’s contribution became particularly important after Balingit’s injury removed UST’s second-leading scorer during the competitive fourth frame. Her eventual match-ending point provided a fitting conclusion after the Golden Tigresses successfully adjusted their lineup during another difficult moment.

Arellano Stays Unbeaten Ahead of Adamson Showdown

Arellano University remained unbeaten after sweeping Perpetual, 25-19, 25-16, 25-18, during Saturday’s other women’s V-League matchup. The Lady Chiefs improved to 4-0 after controlling the attacking department, 42-26, throughout their convincing 70-minute straight-set victory.

Heart Villaflores produced 16 kills, while Cris Servidad added 11 and Kacelyn Punzalan contributed another 14 points. Punzalan’s total included six attacks, five blocks, and three aces, providing Arellano another productive two-way performance during its unbeaten start.

Lady Chiefs Prepare for Unbeaten Adamson After Fourth Victory

Arellano next faces unbeaten Adamson, which carries a 3-0 record into their September 12 preliminary-round meeting. The matchup provides both teams another significant test after navigating the tournament’s early stages without suffering a defeat.

“Yung preparation rin kasi namin. Tini-treat namin yung every game na last game na namin o parang championship na,” Arellano coach Obet Javier said.

Analytical Breakdown: A New Leader Emerged

Marga Altea’s performance highlighted the value of two-way consistency during pressure situations, especially with UST missing veteran leaders and later losing Julia Balingit to injury. Contributing in scoring, reception, serving, and floor defense allowed Altea to stabilize the Golden Tigresses when the match demanded composure most.

UST’s dominant fifth set also demonstrated the resilience of its younger core after momentum shifted late in the fourth frame. If Altea and the supporting cast continue embracing expanded responsibilities, the Golden Tigresses will remain well-positioned to stay competitive while managing lineup adjustments throughout the V-League Collegiate Challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many points did Marga Altea score against UE?

Marga Altea recorded 21 points alongside 12 excellent receptions and nine digs during UST’s five-set victory over UE.

What was the final score between UST and UE?

UST defeated UE, 24-26, 25-17, 25-23, 20-25, 15-5, during their women’s V-League Collegiate Challenge matchup.

What happened to Julia Balingit?

Julia Balingit suffered a right ankle injury during the fourth set after already producing 19 points for UST.

What is UST’s V-League record?

UST improved to 2-1 following its five-set victory and will next face University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.

What is Arellano’s V-League record?

Arellano remains unbeaten at 4-0 after sweeping Perpetual and next faces undefeated Adamson in another important preliminary-round matchup.

Disclaimer: Headline Image from Sports Bytes Philippines.