Action between UST and CSB in the 2026 Shakey's Collegiate National Invitationals, July 20, 2026 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Handout/Shakey's
MANILA -- University of Santo Tomas denied College of St. Benilde's comeback attempt to record its second win in a row in the 2026 Shakey's Collegiate National Invitationals on Monday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Golden Tigresses regrouped in the fourth set after a meltdown in the third frame, claiming a 25-22, 25-15, 15-25, 25-12 triumph to stay unbeaten in the tournament.
Veterans Angge Poyos, Marga Altea and Avril Bron restored order in the fourth set after the Golden Tigresses' second and third stringers failed to deliver in the previous frame for the Shaq Delos Santos-mentored squad.
Poyos hammered down 14 of her 15 points on attacks while adding seven digs and four excellent receptions to power the Tigresses to a firmer hold of the lead in the competition.
Altea bucked a sluggish opening set and scored seven of her 10 points in the fourth while Bron chipped in 10 markers for UST, which took the win despite committing 29 errors.
READ: Aussies sweep Letran to open Shakey's campaign
"Nakaka-overwhelm kasi ginawa ko lang po ang best ko para makabawi especially coming nu'ng first set na medyo off pa po. Ginawa ko lang 'yung best ko nu'ng pinasok ako ulit nu'ng fourth set," said Altea, who took over the offense in the fourth set as UST wrapped the match in one hour and 45 minutes.
The Tigresses' struggles in the third frame extended early into the fourth as they trailed, 2-4.
Altea ignited a decisive 6-0 blast with three consecutive aces as UST gained control of the set. The Tigresses widened the gap 21-10 before Altea, Bron and Poyos delivered the finishing blows in a 4-2 closing run.
UST tweaked its rotation in the third set but it backfired as CSB turned a 2-6 deficit into a 20-10 advantage after mounting a telling rally on its way to averting a shutout.
The Tigresses, who swept Enderun Colleges in the opener on Sunday, take on Letran on Tuesday.
The Lady Blazers failed to capitalize on the momentum of their sweep of Vietnamese guest team Ho Chi Minh City Volleyball Club last Sunday to slide to a 1-1 win-loss card.
Mary Grace Borromeo had 12 points on 10 spikes and two kill blocks to pace CSB. Mhonniecka Joyce Soliven added 12 markers and Camila Bartolome had eight in a losing effort.
The Lady Blazers seek to rebound against Enderun on Tuesday.
AUSSIES RISE TO 2-0
In the second game, guest team Southern Storm Melbourne repulsed winless Enderun Colleges, 25-21, 25-17, 25-27, 25-22, for a second straight win and a share of the lead.
The Australians quelled the Lady Titans' uprising in the tight fourth set for a 2-0 win-loss record tied with University of Santo Tomas on top of the standings.
Cleo Anastasias and Rebekah Pocock led Southern Storm with 10 points each as the duo combined for 14 of the team's 40 attack points.
"I was just really excited to go on the court and play. It's been so much fun the last few days playing. In my mind, I just wanted to bring something into the court. I wanted to give enough energy and I knew my role was to block and I hope I achieved that. But I think I did," said Anastasias, who had seven kills and three kill blocks.
Tied at 21 in the tight fourth set, Southern Storm uncorked a 4-1 finishing kick to end the match in one hour and 50 minutes.
The Aussies had a chance to finish off Enderun in the third set after building a 24-20 advantage. But Southern Storm squandered five match-point advantages as the pesky Lady Titans extended the match.
Despite a heroic fightback, Enderun remained winless after two tries.
Jasmine Salvani and Althea Botor scored 10 apiece for the Lady Titans. Michaella Ma added nine markers.