The UST Golden Tigresses emerged victorious in their first game of the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball, sweeping the NU Lady Bulldogs in stunning fashion, 25-19, 25-23, 25-22, on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Super rookie Angeline Poyos led the team with 16 points off 13 attacks and three kill blocks, while opposite spiker Regina Jurado delivered 12 attacks and seven excellent digs, assisting their team captain and libero Detdet Pepito, who had 16 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions.

Early in the match, the Golden Tigresses showed their aggressiveness, dominating and ending the first set with a six-point lead.

The opening set was sealed courtesy of an attack from UST's lefty-opposite Regina Jurado.

In a much tighter second set, UST's left-handed open hitter, Jonna Perdido, stepped up at the latter part to notch a 2-0 lead via a combination play in the middle.

UST had a slow start during the third set, allowing NU to establish an early three-point lead before errors plagued the Lady Bulldogs.

The Tigresses snagged their momentum through Perdido's off-the-block hit, Cassie Carballo's three consecutive service aces, and an attack from Poyos to pull away.

UST's strong net defense demoralized NU's attackers, forcing them to commit 20 errors compared to the Tigresses’ 16.

Jurado completed their comeback to stun the Lady Bulldogs with a placement shot, sealing their first of the season.

With 20 excellent sets and six points coming from two blocks and four aces, UST's setter, Carballo, was named player of the game.

In their defeat, NU’s Alyssa Solomon carried the scoring load for her team with 16 points on 14 attacks and two blocks, while open hitter Vange Alinsug only had 10 points, all on spikes.

The Golden Tigresses are set to face the UE Lady Red Warriors on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.