UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas secured the No. 1 ranking in the semifinals with a dominant 25-15, 25-14, 25-23 victory over the University of the Philippines in the V-League Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena yesterday.

The Tigresses extended their winning streak to five, but coach Kungfu Reyes is still looking for more as the tournament progresses.

“We’re working on our maturity, decision-making, and judgment, those things. Kasi ‘yung skills ando’n na eh. We’re enhancing them naman sa training, so we need namin ‘yung avenue like V-League na malaking opportunity lalo na sa rookies,” said Reyes.

UST wraps up the preliminaries against Letran tomorrow, a make up from last week’s postponed match due to Tropical Storm “Enteng”.

Angge Poyos led the Tigresses’ charge with 15 points, including two blocks, while Regine Jurado added nine points. Setter Cassie Carballo also delivered, notching 12 excellent sets and had two of her four points from service aces.

The Fighting Maroons, who were led by Kianne Olango’s eight-point, five-dig outing, fell to 3-3. UP is now tied with Far Eastern University in third and fourth spots.

University of the East is the second semifinalist with a 4-2 slate.

In the men’s division, UST wrapped up its preliminary phase campaign with a dominant performance, defeating Ateneo, 25-22, 25-16, 25-18.

With several top players back from national team duties, National University overcame a tenacious Letran side, 25-23, 23-25, 25-20, 26-24, to boost its drive for a higher Final Four ranking.

FEU finished with a 6-1 slate, although defending champion La Salle (5-1) will be looking to match that record when the Green Spikers faces the resurgent Bulldogs (4-2) for the final rankings tomorrow.

The Golden Spikers ended the prelims with a 5-2 record and coach Odjie Mamon has seemed satisfied the way things going for his team.

“I think we’re on the right track. So, masaya ko kasi napi-pick up na nila ‘yung tinuturo namin,” Mamon said.

Paul Colinares had another outstanding performance at the net, recording blocks as part of his 11-point output to back up Jay Rack De La Noche, who led the UST with 17 points. Gboy De Vega contributed 10 points and seven receptions.

Leo Aringo once again led NU’s charge, tallying 20 points on 17-of-31 kills, two blocks and an ace while Buds Buddin had a triumphant return from Alas Pilipinas duties with 20 points and nine receptions.

“Nakikita mo naman na although nasa rank 4 kami ngayon no, nag-iimprove naman ‘yung mga players na hindi ko usually nagagamit, syempre do’n nga sa national team. Pero nga sabi ko, kailangan lang naming ma-maximize kung sino ‘yung naiiwan ay ‘yung pwede pang maglaro ‘pag dating sa mga ganitong situation,” said Bulldogs coach Dante Alinsunurin.