University of Santo Tomas in UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball. Photo from UAAP Media.

MANILA (UPDATED) — The UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball Final 4 cast is officially complete.

This, after University of Santo Tomas swept and eliminated University of the Philippines, 25-20, 25-21, 25-18, during their Round 2 faceoff on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

"We just kept pushing, at hindi kami tumitigil to reach that ultimate goal ng team," said UST head coach Kungfu Reyes, whose squad officially entered the Final 4 for the fifth straight year. 

"Yun naman talaga yung main goal namin, pero ang importante sa amin ay we do better every game," he added.

The Golden Tigresses improved to 9-4 in the team standings, currently enough for No.2, and still within reach of a twice-to-beat advantage in the Finals 4. 

READ: No Holy Week days off for Pepito as UST continues Final 4 hunt

Angge Poyos led the charge of the España-based hitters, putting up 19 points (18 attacks, 1 ace), with nine digs and five receptions, Reg Jurado followed with 13 markers, while Em Banagua stood out by posting 12 points on eight blocks and four attacks.

"Malaking tulong yung mga extra namin," Banagua said. "Lalo na before training, nage-extra 30 minutes kami for blockings. Inaayos namin yung small details kasi ‘yon yung nagdetermine kung ginawa namin ng tama yung blockings namin," 

Already leading two sets to none, UST pulled away for good in the third, turning a slim 7-5 lead into a commanding 16-9 cushion, all thanks to a run that was capped off by a crosscourt hit and a down-the-line kill from Poyos. 

This was eventually all the Tigresses needed not only to make their playoff spot official, but also to etch their fourth straight victory in Round 2.

On the other hand, the Fighting Maroons fell to 6-7, and will be missing the postseason for the seventh straight season.

Nina Ytang led UP with 16 points and one reception, and providing her support were Joan Monares, Kassy Doering, and Kianne Olango who all had seven. 

Unfortunately, State U can only reach seven wins at most, and this works against them as UST, National University, De La Salle University, and Far Eastern University all already have at least eight wins each.

The Tigresses will end their elimination round campaign against the Lady Bulldogs on Sunday, April 27, 5:00 p.m., at the Araneta Coliseum, while the Maroons are looking to complete their season on a high note when they face Adamson University on the same date and venue.

Meanwhile, only National U is assured of a twice-to-beat incentive, while UST, DLSU, and FEU are all still in the running to earn the advantage.  

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