MANILA — University of Santo Tomas completed a flawless pool play run with a dominant straight‑set victory over Southern Storm Melbourne, 25‑20, 25‑14, 25‑9, on July 22, 2026 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The Golden Tigresses locked up the number one seed heading into the semifinals of the 2026 Shakey’s Collegiate National Invitationals.
A Slow Start, Then Total Control
Southern Storm arrived with a 3‑0 record and the confidence of a team that had just outlasted Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City in a five‑set thriller. Their height at the net posed an early challenge for UST, forcing hitters to rethink their angles. The opening set stayed tight as the Australian block frustrated several early attacks.
Angge Poyos found her rhythm after a quiet first set where she managed only three points. She adjusted her approach, targeting off‑the‑block shots that neutralized the height disadvantage. The tactical shift unlocked the Tigresses’ offense, and the team seized control of the match.
Dominant Closing Sets
Regina Jurado made an immediate impact in her tournament debut after missing UST’s first two matches. She scored eight points, adding a fresh dimension to the Tigresses’ attack. Marga Altea matched that output, giving UST multiple scoring options that stretched the Australian defense thin.
Arlene Waje orchestrated the offense with precision, delivering eight excellent sets that kept the Southern Storm blockers guessing. The second set saw UST pull away decisively, winning by eleven points. The third set was an even more lopsided affair, with the Tigresses allowing only nine points and cruising to the finish line.
Semifinal Stage Awaits
With the sweep, UST enters the semifinals as the tournament’s only unbeaten team at 4‑0. The Golden Tigresses will face Ho Chi Minh City Volleyball Club on July 23, carrying momentum and a wealth of offensive options. Poyos leads the team in scoring, but the balanced contributions across the roster make UST a formidable opponent.
Southern Storm Melbourne, despite the loss, remains in contention. The Australian squad finished pool play at 3‑1 and will battle the College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers in the other semifinal matchup. Both semifinal matches promise high‑level volleyball as the tournament reaches its decisive stage.
