Feb. 7, 2015, 5:50 p.m. – PARADING a complete lineup,
the UST Tiger Spikers returned to their winning ways with a 25-15, 25-20, 25-22
drubbing of cellar-dwellers University of the East in the second round of the
UAAP Season 77 men’s volleyball tournament at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum
Saturday.
The Tiger Spikers boosted their chances of nailing one of
the top two spots after improving to an 8-3 win-loss record. They are now tied
with Adamson University at second place.
Leading MVP candidate Mark Alfafara paced UST anew with a
game-high 18 points, while returning team captain Romnick Rico added 13.
“Gusto namin ‘yung 1-2 slot,” head coach Odjie Mamon said
after the Tigers cruised to victory after the lifting of suspensions of his
three starters.
Rico, setter Paul Castillo and middle blocker Patrick Balse
returned to the lineup after missing their game against the Soaring Falcons
last week due to disciplinary action.
The trio earlier went to a tryout by semi-pro team Systema
Active Smashers immediately after their victory over the FEU Tamaraws last Jan.
28, without the knowledge of Mamon and his coaching staff.
“They apologized. Pero provision noon if they commit any
wrong doing, out na talaga. Wala nang appeal,” Mamon said referring to his
earlier recommendation to have the three players removed from the lineup.
The Tiger Spikers overwhelmed the UE side with 44 attack
points and 10 rejections.
UST will face De La Salle University on Feb. 14 at the San
Juan Arena. Karl Cedrick G. Basco
