The University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers forced a do-or-die against the National University Bulldogs as they erased the twice-to-beat advantage of the defending champions.
Meanwhile, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws return to the finals after defeating the De La Salle University Green Spikers.
Here’s everything you missed at the semifinals of the UAAP Season 97 Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
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The University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers recorded six service aces when they defeated the defending champions, National University Bulldogs, 24-26, 25-27, 25-19, 18-25 in their semifinals matchup on Saturday, May 3. In comparison, the Bulldogs had no aces in the match.
Josh Ybanez led the Golden Spikers with 22 points in 19 attacks and three blocks with 16 excellent receptions. Jay Rack De La Noche contributed 15 points in 13 attacks, while GBoy de Vega added 14 points as he once again started the game after a long time.
After the game, De Vega said he was thankful to be given another opportunity to prove himself and prove his doubters wrong. He said, “Thankful ako kasi binigyan ulit ako ng chance ni Coach na makabalik at ma-prove ‘yung mga doubters ko na hindi ako makakatulong sa team. I am very happy lang na nakapag-contribute ako sa maraming ways, and I hope na mas mapagtrabahuan ko pa and mas mapag-ensayuhan ko pa para sa next game, mas okay ipakita ko and ng team namin.”
For the Bulldogs, who were missing the services of Buds Buddin due to a right ankle sprain, Leo Aringo led the team with 18 points in 16 attacks and two blocks, while Leo Ordiales had 15 points in 14 attacks and a block. Jade Disquitado contributed 14 points in 12 attacks and two blocks, while Rwenzmel Taguibolos added 10 points in seven blocks and three attacks.
Because of the victory, the Golden Spikers forced a do-or-die for a chance to play in the finals, where the Far Eastern University Tamaraws are waiting. Golden Spikers head coach Odjie Mamon said, “We live another day, pero I don’t want to be desperately playing like that. Parang desperate ‘yung volleyball namin kanina, maganda sana if the players followed the game plan. We could have done better, but I am happy we get to play on Wednesday again.”
The Golden Spikers and the Bulldogs will face off again on Wednesday, May 7, at 2:00 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena.
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Ariel Cacao dished out 31 excellent sets as he orchestrated the offense of the Far Eastern University Tamaraws in their 24-26, 25-23, 25-19, 25-20 victory against the De La Salle University Green Spikers in the semifinals on Saturday, May 3.
With Cacao’s setting, five Tamaraws scored in double figures. Mikko Espartero and Doula Ndongala both had 17 points, while Lirick Mendoza contributed 14 points. Zhydryx Saavedra and Amet Bituin added 11 points apiece.
After the game, Cacao revealed that their brotherhood on- and off-the-court was the key to their dominance this season. He said, “‘Yung brotherhood namin, medyo walang gap ngayon, e, walang senior, walang junior, halos lahat kami pantay-pantay ‘yung respeto sa bawat isa. Walang lumilihis ng landas at walang nagpapasaway. ‘Yun ‘yung pinakamaganda sa team namin ngayong season, ‘yung samahan talaga.”
For the Green Spikers, graduating Noel Kampton led the team with 19 points in 17 attacks and two blocks, while Glen Rui Ventura contributed 17 points in 15 attacks, a block, and an ace.
After the game, Tamaraws head coach Eddieson Orcullo could not hide his excitement as they returned made a return trip to the finals. He said, “Masaya sobra kasi nakuha namin ‘yung isang slot para sa Finals – ‘yun ang pinaka-importante sa lahat. ‘Yung kasiyahan, alam mo, kailangan balansehin mo maigi kasi hindi pa tapos, may game pa tayo. Kaya bukas o siguro mamaya pa lang, paghandaan na namin ‘yung gagawin doon sa dalawang team kung sino man aakyat sa kanila.”
Orcullo added that their two losses against the Golden Spikers in Season 86 became their motivation for this season, as the Morayta-based squad returned to the finals after six seasons. He said, “‘Yung nangyari kasi nung last season na dalawang beses tayo tinalo ng UST, everyday nakaharap sa mukha namin ‘yun, e, ‘yung tipo na everyday, hindi mo matatanggal. Actually, ‘yung nangyari noong Season 86, parang ‘yun ‘yung naging motivation na para ngayon, panghawakan namin maigi.”
The Tamaraws will face the winner of the do-or-die matchup between the University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers and the National University Bulldogs in the finals.
