THE UST Tiger Spikers settled for fourth place anew in the UAAP Season 80 men’s volleyball tournament after dropping their semifinal match against the top-seeded National University (NU) Bulldogs, 13-25, 13-25, 29-31 at the Mall of Asia Arena last April 22.
Head coach Odjie Mamon said the Tiger Spikers’ complacency paired with minor lapses contributed to the defeat.
“We could have achieved more pero nakuha na kasi ‘yungimmediate goal namin na makapasok sa Final Four kaya parang okay na sa kanila ‘yun, walang overachievement na naganap,” he said.
UST still could not figure out how to defeat perennial powerhouses NU, Ateneo de Manila University and Far Eastern University, as shown by their losses against the three teams in each of their six total encounters this year.
The Tiger Spikers’ defensive woes persisted throughout the season, as evidenced by them being eighth in digging and sixth in blocking. On the offensive end, UST was third in the league in terms of service and reception, fourth in spiking and fifth in setting.
While he was disappointed with the team’s finish, Mamon said prized rookie Joshua Umandal made a difference in the team’s Season 80 campaign.
“Big part ng pagiging competitive namin this year [si]Joshua Umandal, kaso na-co-contain pa siya kasi bata pa,” Mamon told.
The 19-year-old outside hitter led the Tiger Spikers in scoring with 13.9 points per game.
As their season drew to a close, Mamon said the Tiger Spikers will continue training to keep their bodies in shape.
The team will miss the services of middle blockers Jayvee Sumagaysay and Tyrone Carodan and spiker Arnold Bautista after exhausting their playing years.
For their Season 81 campaign, Mamon will get reinforcements from the juniors’ team as five Junior Tiger Spikers are expected to move up the seniors’ teamincluding Season 80 boys’ volleyball finals Most Valuable Player and best opposite hitter Jaron Requinton.
UST will see action again in the Premier Volleyball Leaguethis summer.
