UST women's volleyball team advances to Finals, repeats 2019 feat

University of Santo Tomas secured their spot in the UAAP women's volleyball Finals after defeating De La Salle University in a five-set match on Sunday, marking a significant comeback from a challenging second set.

UST captain Bernadett Pepito urged her teammates to embrace the moment, leading to a decisive fifth-set victory and a chance at redemption since their 19 finals loss; this year's triumph repeats history from 2019 when UST also defeated La Salle for a Finals berth on the same day.

Rookie MVP candidate Angeline Poyos scored a game-high 28 points, while rookie middle blocker Em Banagua, despite her knee injury, contributed eight points including a team-high four blocks to help secure the victory.

Coach KungFu Reyes expressed honor and pride in his team’s hard work and resilience, praising Banagua for showing maturity beyond years and proving key in their unexpected run this year.

UST will face the winner of the National University-Far Eastern University semifinal clash on Saturday in their quest for another championship since 2010; Poyos expressed hope that they can end the season beautifully by winning the title after a 14-year wait.