THE UST Junior Tiger Spikers upset defending champions Nazareth School of National University Bullpups, 25-18, 25-20, 22-25, 25-20, in the UAAP Season 80 boys’ volleyball tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavillon Sunday.
UST improved to a 6-2 record and handed the Bullpups their first defeat of the season, 7-1.
The Junior Tiger Spikers staged a 15-5 rally to erect a 15-7 lead. Jaron Requinton fired a through-the-block kill to seal the upset.
The Bullpups were at set point in the third frame, 24-20, before Billie Anima denied a UST spiker to prevent a sweep.
“Alam nila na we have a score to settle against NU kasi tinalo kami nung last year’s finals at sa first round. So it’s due time na manalo kami against them,” UST assistant coach Rommel Abella said.
The Tiger Spikers overcame a three-point deficit late in the second frame with a 10-2 blitz capped by a Requinton block, 25-20.
Leading 19-17 in the opening set, the Tiger Spikers unloaded a 6-1 run topped by Rey de Vega’s service ace, 25-18.
UST rained down on NU’s faulty reception with 12 service aces compared to the Bullpups’ four.
Señoron spearheaded UST with 19 points while Requinton and de Vega had 13 markers apiece.
NU’s John Sumalinog had 13 points.
Up next for the Junior Tiger Spiker are the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eaglets on Oct. 18, Wednesday, 3:30 p.m., at the Arena in San Juan.
