The UST Golden Spikers. UAAP Media
MANILA -- University of Santo Tomas grabbed its third win in a row at Ateneo de Manila University's expense 26-24, 25-17, 25-22, in the UAAP Season 87 men's volleyball tournament on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.
It was also the Golden Spikers' way of exacting revenge for their first round 20-25, 22-25, 25-22, 21-25 loss to the Katipunan hitters, boosting their chances for a spot in the Final Four at 7-4.
READ: UAAP: UST dominates Adamson in men's volleyball
“Thankful ako sa mga players nag-respond sila, na-execute ‘yung plano. May lapses pero understandable. Yung last part nga ng first set may slip ups pero kalma lang and nakapag-execute kami,” said head coach Odjie Mamon as his Golden Spikers almost squandered a 24-22 lead in the opening frame.
Jay Rack Dela Noche atoned for a centerline fault with a drop shot that sent UST to match point, 24-20, but Ateneo tried to push for a last-minute rally.
An attack error by Dela Noche gave the Blue Eagles some hope, followed by Kennedy Batas’ sharp kill off an overreceived ball to inch within 22-24.
However, Josh Ybañez said enough as his back-row attempt grazed the hands of Brian Castro for the Golden Spikers triumph after one hour and 26 minutes.
“Lagi ko lang iniisip na once na nasa loob ako ng court, I have to do something, na makapagcontribute ako ng marami sa team in all aspects, not just sa attacking pero sa dig, receive, and maraming department ng volleyball especially sa block kasi doon ako mahina,” said Ybañez.
The reigning two-time MVP uncorked 24 big points on a very efficient 20-of-33 spiking rate along with three aces and a block, while Popoy Colinares backed him up with 13 points on seven attacks and six blocks.
Dux Yambao steered the Golden Spikers’ offense with 21 excellent sets, distributing the ball well with Dela Noche making nine points, JJ Macam producing eight, and Trevor Valera getting six.
UST, which dominated the blocking category 13-2, looks to extend its streak when it faces University of the East next Saturday at the Big Dome.
READ: UAAP: UST overcomes La Salle in men’s volley to halt 3-game skid
Meanwhile, Ateneo slipped to its second straight defeat to fall at 6-5 at fifth with its schedule not getting easier. The Blue Eagles’ next foe will be the top-seeded FEU Tamaraws on Wednesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Batas paced Ateneo with 20 points on 19-of-38 spikes while Amil Pacinio added nine points.
It was Jian Salarzon who was silenced to just four points in two sets played although he still collected 15 excellent receptions.