The University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses swept CESAFI Champions University of San Jose Recoletos Lady Jaguars, 25-15, 25-16, 25-16, in their debut at the 2023 Shakey's Super League National Invitationals on Sunday, July 30 at the Fil-Oil EcoOil Center in San Juan.

UST's youngbloods Mary Banagua and match MVP Angeline Poyos scored 12 and 10 respectively, while sophomores Jonna Perdido and Regina Jurado combined for 21 points to pull UST to an opening victory.

The Golden Tigresses came swinging early in the first set as they held a comfortable lead of 9-3 over the Lady Jaguars. Despite the miscommunication errors which led the Lady Jaguars to inch to as close as 12-9, the Tigresses’ offensive backup kept UST alive up until they concluded the set, 25-15.

Experienced second-year players Perdido and Jurado upstarted UST’s scoring along with an explosive offensive performance by high-flying rookie Angeline Poyos, who scored two of UST’s nine service aces in the first set.

In the second set, the Jaguars were once again trailing early. Despite an error-plagued canto, the Tigresses' setter Cassie Carballo provided good ball distribution for the UST offense, as the España-based crew held the Lady Jaguars at 16 points until the end of the second frame, 25-16.

The final set played out closer than expected. Off the backs of Christle Tamayo, Alyssa Emboy, and CESAFI MVP Louneth Abangan, the Lady Jaguars were able to subdue the Tigresses as the game went on a series of deadlocks.

Tied at 10-10, the Golden Tigresses’ exploded with rookie Poyos leading the charge offensively while Pia Abbu and Mary Banagua provided the defensive spark to ultimately knock the wind out of the sails of the Jaguars, 25-16.

The Tigresses will be eyeing for another win as they are set to face De La Salle Dasmarinas on Wednesday, August 2 at the same venue.