The UST Golden Tigresses capped off the UST UAAP Season 87 Kickoff with a four-set exhibition thriller against the reigning PVL Invitational Conference champions Kurashiki Ablaze, 21-25, 27-29, 25-17, 19-25, on Friday, Sept. 6, at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.

Despite the loss, UAAP Season 86 Rookie of the Year Angge Poyos scored 16 points off 14 attacks, one block, and an ace as the only player to score double digits for the Golden Tigresses.

An ace from Cassie Carballo gave life to an early 4-0 run in the first set for the Tigresses before the Japan-based squad exploded with nine straight points of their own, 5-10.

Kurashiki’s floor defense proved hard for the Tigresses after dropping the set from a block by Mei Cing Low, 21-25.

In the second frame, timely hits from UST’s main gunners established a comfortable lead, setting up set point with Kyla Cordora’s cross court blow, 24-22.

However, Kurashiki made a fierce fightback, scoring three consecutive points to deny UST the equalizer.

The QPav roared with every valiant attack from Poyos and Ablaze’s captain Saya Tanaguchi during the intense exchange of set points.

Unfortunately, both Poyos and Francine Osis misfired their attacks, allowing Kurashiki to clinch the set at 27-29.

The third frame saw UST overwhelmed the Japanese squad, with Renren Peñafiel and Kaizah Huyno providing much-needed firepower to run away with the set, 25-17

In the fourth set, Kurashiki's main setter Mei Oshima orchestrated the offense, executing sneaky "one-two" plays and unleashing Kurashiki’s deep arsenal throughout the set. Kurashiki's fire continued to burn with the return of their starters which the Tigresses could not contain, 19-25.

Kurashiki’s head coach Hideo Suzuki applauded the energetic atmosphere of the QPav Arena and the mighty spirit of the Tigresses.

“Nagulat kami sa cheers ng UST na halos matalo kami, pero nakakahabol kami and masaya [kami] na nanalo kami. The students played well, and [the UST team] did really well. We will do our best going forward, and we hope that the UST volleyball team does their best as well.” Coach Suzuki said to TomasinoWeb through his translator.

Kurashiki's open hitter Saki Tanabe led the Ablaze in the scoring department with a 17-point performance, while team captain Tamiguchi contributed 14 points, and Maggie chipped in 12 points.

Coach Emilio “Kung Fu” Reyes, in spite of the defeat, commended the Tigresses’ performance and the adrenaline-fueled Thomasians.

“Masaya ako [sa resulta ng laro] kasi ‘yong UST community, ine-embrace talaga ‘yong Volleyball itself and we're very lucky na ung [Kurashiki] Ablaze ‘yong nakalaban natin at masaya ako para sa mga estudyante natin.” Said Reyes in an interview with TomasinoWeb.

Also in attendance were national players and former queen Tigresses Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure.

Laure was delighted to witness the growth of her past teammates in her visit back to the Tiger’s lair.

“Masaya ako sa growth nila kasi nakita ko naman na since magkakasama kami for the longest time, so I'm so happy na talagang naglalaro sila as one at nagtutulungan," Laure said to TomasinoWeb.

The Golden Tigresses are leading the VLeague Women's Collegiate Challenge tournament with an undefeated record, 4-0, to cement their spot in the playoffs. The schedule for their next matchup against Letran is on Sept. 11 at the Paco Arena.

The Espana-based squad is also set to compete in the Shakey’s Super League Pre-season Championship that will begin on Sept. 27 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

UST belonged to Pool B with Lyceum of the Philippines University, Mapua University, University of the East, and University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.

The Golden Tigresses were slated to face PVL powerhouse Chery Tiggo Crossovers last Wednesday, but the match was canceled due to adverse weather conditions.-Kurt Andre Trinidad and Kurt Russel Vincent Miranda