UST stuns NU in straight sets to kick off Season 86 bid

University of Santo Tomas capped off an upset-filled opening weekend after stunning National University in straight sets, 25-19, 25-23, 25-22, in the UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball tournament on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Four Golden Tigresses poured in double digit scoring as UST opened its campaign on a flying note and cruised to 1-0 while the Lady Bulldogs dropped to 0-1. The win marked another upset in the tournament following a four-set romp of University of the East against Ateneo de Manila University on Saturday, which gave the Lady Warriors their first win against the Blue Eagles after 14 years.

Angeline Poyos starred for the España crew with a team-high 16 points anchored on 13 attacks and three blocks while Jonna Perdido and Regina Jurado each chipped in 12 markers with the former chiming in with six receptions while the latter contributed seven digs.

Mary Banagua was also among the unlikely heroes, putting together 10 points. 

Ayssa Solomon paced NU with 16 points as Bella was limited to nine points.

In the first game, Far Eastern University pulled off a similar sweep victory against University of the Philippines to spoil the debut of new head coach Oliver Almadro, 25-23, 25-21, 25-18. 

Gerzel Petallo led the charge for the Lady Tamaraws on both ends, scattering 16 points built on 12 attacks and four blocks while Chenie Tagaod listed 12 markers. 

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News