The UST Golden Spikers bounced back from their loss to the FEU Tamaraws and eliminated the UE Red Warriors, 22-25, 25-15, 25-19, 25-23, in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.
UST Starts Slow… Until Key Adjustment
The Red Warriors took the first set after a slow start by the Golden Spikers. In the second set, Golden Spikers head coach Odjie Mamon shuffled his lineup, placing Joshua Avila at setter and JJ Macam at the open position.
The adjustment paid off as the Golden Spikers regained their rhythm. After taking the second set, UST carried the momentum into the third frame, overcoming a four-point deficit behind Josh Ybañez, Joncriz Ayco, and Vryvin Catinsag.
The home team then held off UE in the fourth set to complete the comeback win.
Despite the victory, Mamon did not hide his frustration after the match.
“Definitely not kasi dapat ’yung mastery namin over our playing style or our system, especially on defense, pulido na,” Mamon said.
“Frustrating talaga itong match na ito, but it also served its purpose na na-highlight ’yung dapat i-correct namin. Kung may natutunan naman, it’s a game.”
Ybañez Leads the Way—as Usual
Ybañez led the Golden Spikers with 25 points built on 21 attacks, 2 blocks, and 2 service aces. Ayco added 12 points, while Valera contributed 11. Catinsag and Macam combined for 14 points, with Macam also tallying 13 excellent receptions.
Avila orchestrated the offense with 19 excellent sets, while Edriel Alabar recorded 12 excellent receptions.
For UE, Raquim Aceron had 17 points and 22 excellent receptions, while Roy Piojo finished with 13 points.
The Golden Spikers will try to solidify their Final Four bid as they face the Adamson Soaring Falcons on Saturday, April 11, at 3:00 p.m. at the Filoil Centre. Meanwhile, the Red Warriors will take on the defending champions, NU Bulldogs, on Sunday, April 12, at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.
