University of Santo Tomas celebrates a point against UE in the UAAP Season 89 girls' volleyball tournament, September 19, 2026 at the Paco Arena in Manila. UAAP Media
MANILA — University of Santo Tomas is off to a bright start in the UAAP Season 89 girls' volleyball tournament, brushing aside the University of the East 25-18, 25-8, 25-10 on Saturday at Paco Arena in Manila.
UST pulled away early in the third set, with Nicole Pelaez and Megan Hernandez leading the scoring charge. Holding a 20-10 advantage, the Junior Golden Tigresses strung together five straight points, starting with Ryzel Laag's off-the-block kill before Lianne Sanchez followed with consecutive aces.
Sanchez's second ace put UST at match point, while Deni Mendoza's ensuing attack error handed the Junior Golden Tigresses the final point.
"With the help of our good recruits, hopefully makapasok sa finals. 'Yun 'yung target namin ngayong season na 'to. So again, overachieve again one at a time, so tingnan natin kung paano magre-react 'yung team namin ngayon sa season na 'to," said UST assistant coach Yani Fernandez.
"Kailangan mas more on magiging consistent sa galaw nila and at the same time, 'yung help sa bench namin, 'yun 'yung importante. Kasi last season, 'yung bench namin shaky so hopefully ngayong season na 'to, mas makatulong 'yung bench players namin all throughout ng tournament."
Pelaez led the Junior Golden Tigresses with 17 points, highlighted by 13 attacks and four aces. Kaite Cruz and Patricia Mendoza added six points apiece, with Cruz tallying five attacks and Mendoza finishing with four kills in the 63-minute contest.
Janine Espiritu anchored UST's defensive effort with eight excellent digs, while Andreaj Tan Chun Bing registered 15 excellent sets.
Janah Sumagaysay led UE with six points, including five attacks and an ace, in the loss.