Feb. 18, 2015, 1:32 p.m. – THE UST Tiger Spikers
solidified their hold of second place and a twice-to-beat advantage after
hammering the University of the Philippines, 25-12, 28-26, 25-21, in the second
round of the UAAP Season 77 men’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena
Wednesday.
UST improved to 10-3 after its third straight win, trailing
Ateneo de Manila University which has a 10-2 card.
Mark Alfafara ignited a 9-3 UST run midway through the third
set for a 21-16 lead.
Reserve Jeren Buro then converted a quick hit to put the
Tiger Spikers at match point, 24-20.
“Hindi naman kami kinabahan kanina, standard control
lang,” head coach Odjie Mamon said. “Paghahandaan namin ang
Ateneo.”
Alfafara led the Tiger Spikers anew with 18 markers, while
team captain Romnick Rico added 11.
UST rallied from a five-point deficit in the second set with
a 8-3 run, four points coming from Rico, to force a deuce.
Kris Roy Guzman punctuated the comeback with a block to give
the Tiger Spikers a 2-0 set lead.
UST will try to secure a top two slot against Ateneo on
Saturday, Feb. 21, at the San Juan Arena. Karl
Cedrick G. Basco
