The UST Golden Spikers showed resilience as they stunned the NU Bulldogs in four sets, 30-28, 25-18, 22-25, 25-23, in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The win forced a playoff for the second twice-to-beat advantage between these same two teams.
In the fourth set, the Bulldogs looked poised to extend the match after building a 13-6 lead. However, the Golden Spikers responded with a decisive 10-2 run behind Sherwin Umandal to seize a 16-15 advantage. NU stayed within reach late, trimming the deficit to 21-20, but UST delivered in the clutch, with JJ Macam and Umandal converting key attacks before Josh Ybañez sealed the win.
“Two things lang ’yung ginawa ko. ’Yung una, is to introduce fresh legs, and ’yung pangalawa, rinemind ko sila na huwag nila i-pressure sarili nila. Fourth set ’yon, we were up by two sets, bakit sila nape-pressure? I think ’yon ’yung main point ng fourth set,” said Golden Spikers head coach Odjie Mamon.
Josh Ybañez Steers UST Once More
Ybañez led UST with 27 points and 26 excellent receptions. Trevor Valera added 17 points, while Joncriz Ayco chipped in 10 markers. Umandal provided a huge lift off the bench, scoring all 9 of his points in the fourth set.
Team captain Dux Yambao orchestrated the offense with 31 excellent sets, while libero Edriel Alabar anchored the defense with 14 excellent receptions and 12 excellent digs.
For the Bulldogs, Leo Ordiales led the way with 17 points, while Obed Mukaba added 16 points built on 8 blocks, 7 attacks, and 1 ace. Buds Buddin contributed 15 points and 21 excellent receptions, while Disquitado finished with 10 points and 18 excellent receptions.
The Golden Spikers and the Bulldogs will face each other again, this time for the twice-to-beat advantage, on Saturday, April 25, 1:00 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
