UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas withstood University of the Philippines’ tough net defense to pull off a 25-20, 25-22, 26-24 win and move on the cusp of completing a first round sweep in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Despite missing the services of the league’s leading blocker Niña Ytang, the Fighting Maroons were able to log 10 blocks.

Still, the gritty Tigresses were able to figure ways to shatter their foes’ defensive wall to extend their perfect run to six matches.

“Reminder lang sa akin ni coach (Kungfu Reyes) noong crucial (part) na mind over matter kasi nga nahuli na ako,” said rookie Angge Poyos, who had to bleed with 18-of-49 attacks to finish with a match-best 22 points.

“Ginawa namin ng paraan every set and thankful pa rin kasi nakuha namin ang panalo,” she added.

UST aims to complete its first round sweep since the 2006-07 season when it tangles with Adamson on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

During that championship season, the Tigresses went perfect in six first round matches under legendary coach August Santamaria.

Later, Lyann de Guzman hammered 22 kills and collected nine digs and eight receptions while Sobe Buena also scored 22 points including the match-clinching spike as Ateneo rebounded from a third set meltdown to beat Adamson, 25-19, 25-19, 22-25, 26-23, and tie its victims at 2-4 in fifth place.

The Lady Falcons rallied from a 12-20 hole in the third to gain a lifeline, but the Blue Eagles displayed tremendous composure to arrest a two-match slide.

UP forced the match’s last deadlock at 24-24 when Poyos and Regina Jurado produced clutch kills to maintain UST’s perfect run.

“Again, yung respeto na binibigay namin sa mga kalaban namin na alam namin kasi everybody’s game. So, yun na nga, very tight yung labanan especially nung last set kasi nga we won by two points so medyo hindi pa namin makuha yung rhythm nung ano, kung anong meron kami,” said Reyes.

Xyza Gula had 12-of-21 spikes and fired two service aces to finish with 14 points that went along with 12 receptions and 10 digs while Jurado chipped in 12 points for the Tigresses.

At 0-6, the Fighting Maroons are on their worst start since the 2013-14 season, also opening their campaign with six straight defeats.

Steph Bustrillo led UP with 14 points, including three blocks.

In the men’s division, UST snapped its three-game skid following a 25-23, 25-14, 25-16 romp of UP, while Adamson pulled off a stunning 28-26, 25-22, 30-28 victory over Ateneo.

The Golden Spikers and the Falcons are now tied with the Blue Eagles in fourth place at 3-3.

Josh Ybañez, who scored a couple of 30-point games during that losing run, led UST with 21 points on 18-of-27 attacks, two blocks and one ace.

Ybañez, who hurt his left ankle after landing on a teammate’s foot late in the second set but managed to return to the match, also had 11 receptions and six excellent digs.

“May mga remaining games pa kami para ibalik yung confidence and actually it’s a great way for us to regain our confidence lalo na ayun nga, sunud-sunod yung pagkatalo namin,” said Ybañez after the straight-set win.

John Gay had 16 points and 13 receptions while Pau Paulino hammered 16 kills for the Falcons, who have already surpassed their two-win campaign last year.

“Ayun, siyempre it’s a process kasi last year kasi wala kaming legit na setter eh. Tapos yung adaptation nung system last year medyo hindi pa ganun ka-solid ba. Pero at least kahit papaano, meron ng connection,” said Adamson coach George Pascua.