Tigresses carve out straight sets triumph over San Beda’s Red Spikers

Avril Bron (No. 5) drills in a kill off a San Beda double block. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

University of Santo Tomas ushered in its post-Detdet Pepito era with a sweep of San Beda, 25–15, 25–16, 25–19, to open its 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge campaign on a high note Sunday at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

The Golden Tigresses remained clinical on both sides of the floor, leaning on another product of their high school program in Kim Rubin to sweep the Lady Red Spikers.

Rubin, who came off the bench in the third frame, stabilized UST’s floor defense before eventually finishing the match in transition with the clinching kill.

The former Alas youth standout finished with six points, all from attacks, while also contributing three digs and two excellent receptions to bolster the team’s defense. Sandrine Escober, one of the squad’s new liberos, accounted for six of UST’s 17 excellent receptions in the one-hour, 16-minute match.

“I think this is a good and big opportunity that they gain tournament exposure,” coach Sahq delos Santos said with a mix of Filipino. “This is a big tournament for us, because we can see and hopefully address all our flaws.”

Middle blocker Em Banagua led UST’s balanced offense with nine points, while Ash Knop added seven. Angge Poyos and Marga Altea chipped in six points apiece.

Setters Cassie Carballo and Ar Waje combined for 16 excellent sets in the sweep.

Santo Tomas will go for its second straight win when it faces Arellano University on Aug. 22 at 3 p.m., still at the same Mandaluyong venue.

On the other hand, Aiezel Parumog heated up in the third set to finish with nine points for San Beda, while Daisy Cagas quietly ended with 13 points. The Lady Red Spikers, however, shot themselves in the foot with 25 errors.

San Beda will return to the court later that day at 5 p.m. against NCAA rivals University of Perpetual Help.