THE University of Santo Tomas captured the women’s crown of the V-League Collegiate Challenge, defeating Far Eastern University, 24-26, 25-20, 25-21, 25-14, in a decisive Game 3 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Friday.

UST previously won Game 1 (25-22, 25-18, 25-14), but FEU rallied to claim Game 2 (25-22, 22-25, 25-21, 19-25, 17-15), setting the stage for a thrilling rubber match.

League MVP Angeline Poyos, who missed Game 2 due to illness, led the Golden Tigresses with an impressive 31 points from 29 attacks and two blocks, guiding the team to its seventh title.

“I’m very happy to return for Game 3. My first goal was to help the team, and I’m thankful that we secured the championship,” said the 20-year-old standout from Balilihan, Bohol.

Regine Grace Jurado contributed 15 points, while Jonna Chris Perdido added 10 points, along with 14 excellent digs and eight receptions. Margaret Altea scored six points, and Finals MVP Ma. Cassandra Carballo contributed five points, including three blocks and 19 excellent sets.

“The group is happy, especially after bouncing back from an upset loss in Game 2. We are thrilled to have our team complete, apart from Em (Banagua). Experiencing championship glory again in the V-League is overwhelming,” said UST head coach Kungfu Reyes after the two-hour and 17-minute match.

On the other side, Faida Bakanke led FEU with 16 points, including 11 attacks, four blocks, and an ace, as the team settled for the silver medal for the second consecutive season. Jean Asis added 12 points, while Lovely Rose Lopez and Gerzel Mary Petallo contributed nine and eight points, respectively.