The UST Golden Spikers protected their home floor with authority, sweeping the UE Red Warriors, 25-18, 25-22, 25-22, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
The home team dominated the opening set behind sharp attacking and solid floor defense. UE attempted to respond in the next two frames, finding a better rhythm and pushing the Golden Spikers into tighter exchanges, but the hosts proved steadier in crucial moments.
In the second set, JJ Macam and Trevor Valera delivered key points late to shut down UE’s comeback hopes. The third set saw Vryvin Catinsag and Joncriz Ayco anchor the defense and deny any late push from the Red Warriors, sealing UST’s straight-sets win.
“It’s always nice to play in your home court, maganda ‘yung reception ng crowd na predominantly mga taga-UST. Na-inspire naman ‘yung mga players ko,” said head coach Odjie Mamon.
UST Denies UE Behind Balanced Effort
It was a balanced effort for the Golden Spikers.
Josh Ybañez paced the team with 13 points built on 11 attacks, 1 block, and 1 ace, along with 11 excellent receptions. Valera added 10 markers, while Catinsag and Ayco chipped in 8 points apiece. Macam finished with 7.
For UE, Raquim Aceron led the way with 12 points and 13 excellent receptions, while Mark Budias contributed 10 markers.
UST will look to extend its three-game winning streak when it faces the Adamson Soaring Falcons on Saturday, March 7, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Meanwhile, UE takes on defending champion NU Bulldogs on Wednesday, March 4, at the same venue.
