Manila: The University of Santo Tomas (UST) marched to the UAAP Season 88 women's volleyball stepladder quarterfinals after eliminating Far Eastern University (FEU) in the playoff, 16-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-16, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday. The Golden Tigresses, who beat the Lady Tamaraws thrice this year, will make their sixth consecutive Top 4 appearance since Season 81 (2019) when they advanced all the way to the Finals.

According to Philippines News Agency, UST will meet third seed Adamson University in the stepladder quarterfinals at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, still at the Big Dome. The Golden Tigresses have yet to win a game, and even a set, against the Lady Falcons this season. The winner will face defending champion National University on May 2 in the final stage of the stepladder, with the winner advancing against unbeaten De La Salle University in the best-of-three Finals beginning May 6.

"I'm so proud of the team and happy because we all know what we've been through, at least we survived and I'm sure the team will be even more eager when the stepladder arrives," said head coach Shaq Delos Santos, who returned to UST this season.

Angeline Poyos, the Season 86 Rookie of the Year, delivered 26 points, seven receptions, and five digs, while Regina Jurado chipped in 11 points and 12 digs. Xyza Rufel Gula chipped in nine points, 11 digs, and seven receptions, followed by Avril Denise Bron with eight points. UST captain Ma. Bernadett Pepito had 15 receptions and 18 digs, while Cassie Carballo produced 21 excellent sets.

Meanwhile, skipper Gerzel Petallo finished with 14 points on nine attacks and five blocks, alongside 14 receptions and nine digs for FEU, which settled for fifth place. Clarisse Loresco contributed 11 points, while Faida Bakanke and Jazlyn Ellarina scored nine points each. Christine Ubaldo had 15 excellent sets and three points in her final season with the Lady Tamaraws.