Xyz Rayco of NUNS in action against La Salle-Zobel in the UAAP Season 89 girls' volleyball tournament, September 27, 2026 at the Blue Eagle Gym. UAAP Media
MANILA — Defending champion National University Nazareth School and University of Santo Tomas are still unbeaten in the UAAP Season 89 girls' volleyball tournament after separate victories on Sunday evening at the Blue Eagle Gym.
The Lady Bullpups made quick work of the De La Salle-Zobel Junior Lady Archers, needing just 56 minutes to cruise to a 25-10, 25-14, 25-14 victory.
Meanwhile, the Junior Golden Tigresses spoiled the season debut of the Far Eastern University-Diliman Lady Tamaraws with a 25-21, 25-21, 25-20 sweep.
Fifteen-year-old rookie Xyz Rayco continued her strong start to her UAAP career, tallying 13 points on eight attacks and four aces to go with 11 receptions.
Supporting her were Jhaynna Bulandres and Adeleine Agustin with seven points apiece, while Micaella Gould glued things together with 16 excellent sets.
Lady Bullpups head coach Karl Dimaculangan fielded all of his players in the contest.
"'Yun 'yung malaking bagay sa amin — everyone can step up," said Dimaculangan.
The UST Junior Tigresses celebrate a point against FEU-Diliman in the UAAP Season 89 girls' volleyball tournament, September 27, 2026 at the Blue Eagle Gym. UAAP Media
Meanwhile, Adrianna Menchavez led the Junior Tigresses with 13 points and five digs.
Erin Sotto, the younger sister of former UAAP Boys' Basketball MVP Kai Sotto, added nine points on three blocks, while Mary Nicole Palaez and Taj Teves chipped in six points apiece. Teves also had six receptions and five digs.
Chasliey Pepito anchored UST's floor defense with 13 receptions and seven digs.
"Malaking momentum para sa amin kasi last year hindi kami nanalo I think sa FEU. So this time, at least maganda yung start namin," said UST head coach Kungfu Reyes. "Ayun naman yung gusto naming mangyari, na makuha namin yung mga ineensayo namin sa UST."
Ifnanya Udeagbala paced the Lady Tamaraws with 18 points, while Alexa Amana added 11.
The victories set up an early showdown between the two unbeaten squads, with the Lady Bullpups and Junior Tigresses facing off on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at Paco Arena.
Kristal Joy Martin of Adamson in action against Ateneo in the UAAP Season 89 girls' volleyball tournament, September 27, 2026 at the Blue Eagle Gym. UAAP Media
In the other game, Kristal Joy Martin delivered a solid all-around performance of 15 points, 11 receptions, and seven digs, while Ella Gonzalvo fired 18 points as the Lady Baby Falcons subdued the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 25-15, 25-17, 25-23, to enter the win column.
Rookie Naihma Banal paced Ateneo with nine points and five digs.