With Jonna Perdido, Xyza Gula, and Kyla Cordora sidelined, UST's star Angge Poyos found relief in the attacking department as Marga Altea and Beth Hilongo rose to the occasion in their five-set thriller against the De La Salle Lady Spikers.

Poyos reeled in 28 points built on 24 attacks, three blocks, and one ace. But her efforts were rewarded as both Altea and Hilongo proved crucial in the rotation, serving as her backup outside hitters.

“Risk ‘yong ginawa [namin na rotation] pero again, ‘pag nag-perform, edi idire-diretso mo. Ganoon lang naman ka-simple,” assistant coach Yani Fernandez said.

“Kung ano nakikita namin na nagsa-struggle na ‘yong isa, siyempre huhugot tayo ng pangalawa– pangatlo actually– na outside hitter,” he added.

Altea notched 10 points, including a pivotal dump off a floating ball that gave UST a 13-11 brace in the deciding set. Meanwhile, Hilongo chipped in five points and six excellent digs.

The third-year Hilongo served as UST's second libero behind Detdet Pepito last season, while rookie Altea, initially a middle blocker for the squad, reverted back to her natural position in high school.

Hilongo's experience as a libero was also key in the defensive stance of the Tigresses in their win.

“May kaba pa din pero halos ilang years na kami nagtra-training so ni-ready ko talaga sarili ko anytime na ipapasok ako,” Hilongo said to TomasinoWeb.

“Ang dami ko din natutunan last year as a libero, [pero] may time kanina ang dami ko rin misreceives. Mas lalo ko pang pag-iigihan sa training kasi hindi pa siya ganoon ka-consistent,” she added.

The Golden Tigresses will now focus on exploring more attacking options against the young but lethal Adamson University Lady Falcons on Saturday.