DEFENDING champion UST Junior Tiger Spikers committed 42 errors and crashed out of finals contention after surrendering to the Far Eastern University Baby Tamaraws, 26-24, 16-25, 23-25, 25-13, 9-15, in the UAAP Season 81 boys’ volleyball semifinals at the Arena in San Juan Wednesday.
UST finished the tournament at third place.
The Junior Spikers were up 9-8 in the fifth frame when the Baby Tamaraws sparked a 7-0 blitz, sealed by Jomel Codilla’s quick kill for the win.
“Nagsimula na kasi sila mag-doubt sa sarili nila, lalo na noong fifth set. Mas ginusto ng FEU manalo today, marami kaming pinamigay na chances sa kanila ngayong game,” UST assistant coach Rommel Abella told the Varsitarian.
A through-the-block kill by CJ Segui in the fourth set allowed the Junior Spikers to force a deciding frame, 25-13.
The Baby Tamaraws were at set point in the third salvo, 24-23, before Ranz Canojo’s off-the-block kill, 25-23.
Tied at 11-all in the second set, FEU unleashed a 14-4 blast, capped by UST team captain Lorenz Señoron’s attack error to tie the game at one set apiece.
Señoron’s off-the-block hit in the opening canto enabled the Junior Spikers to grab an early advantage.
UST scattered 42 errors compared to FEU’s 30.
Jose Javelona led the Baby Tamaraws with 19 points while Mike Ferrer added 12 markers.
Rey de Vega had a game-high 21 points for UST.
