The UST Golden Spikers secured a spot in the Final Four after defeating the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 32-30, 18-25, 25-18, 25-17, in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
In the fourth set, the Golden Spikers came out determined to finish the match, starting strong with a 7-1 lead. The Soaring Falcons tried to mount a comeback, but Gboy De Vega and Trevor Valera shut the door on Adamson.
“Siyempre, I have core players. I start with them, but when someone loses focus or is not effective, I have a deep bench, and I can pull anyone. We are confident in them. Yung trust namin, hindi lang sa core, but doon din sa bench ko,” said Golden Spikers head coach Odjie Mamon.
“I think the second set was on me, nag-adjust agad ako ng position and ng match-up. Going into the third set, kahit nag-1-1 kami, parang nabasa na namin yung laro. Controlled namin yung third and fourth [sets],” he added.
Josh Ybañez Shows Out—Again
UST’s main main, Josh Ybañez, led the Golden Spikers with 23 points and 26 excellent receptions. Valera added 18 points built on 13 attacks and 5 blocks, while De Vega finished with 16 points and 9 excellent receptions.
Vryvin Catinsag scored 11 points, while Joncriz Ayco added 10 markers.
Back-up setter Joshua Avila stepped up, orchestrating the offense with 33 excellent sets, while libero Edriel Alabar recorded 16 excellent receptions and 8 excellent digs.
For the Soaring Falcons, Richard Besorio led the team with 18 points and 16 excellent receptions, while Maruel Tan added 10 points.
The Golden Spikers will next face the UP Fighting Maroons on Sunday, April 19, at 9:00 a.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Meanwhile, the Soaring Falcons will take on the FEU Tamaraws on Saturday, April 18, at 3:00 p.m. at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.
