February 13, 2016, 1:44p.m. – THE UST Tiger Spikers made quick work of the University of the East Red Warriors, 25-21, 26-24, 25-18, to notch their first win in the UAAP Season 78 men’s volleyball tournament at the San Juan Arena Saturday.
The Tiger Spikers banked on their eight service aces and 34 attack points to improve to a 1-2 win loss card.
UST caught fire at the start of the third set, 22-12, before UE made a late 5-1 run to cut the deficit, 17-23. UST arrived at set point following a service error from UE captain Edward Camposano
“Ngayon sumunod sila sa instructions tapos nage-enjoy na sa sila kaya hinayaan ko na. Actually, nakikilala na nila yung go-to-guys [ng team] kaya na-u-utilize na nila [skills nila],” head coach Odjie Mamon said.
Trailing by only three points late in the second frame, 20-23, UST ignited a 4-1 blitz to force a 24-all deadlock, before firing two straight points to win the set.
UE had the edge in the opening canto, 22-19, but the Tiger Spikers scored three quick points capped by a quick hit from Jason Sarabia to capture the set.
Manuel Andrei Medina led the Tiger Spikers with 16 markers while Tyrone Jan Carodan contributed 12 points. UE’s Camposano was the lone Warrior to score in double digits with 12 points.
The Tiger Spikers will face last season’s silver medalists National University Bulldogs on Wednesday, February 17, 10 a.m., at the same venue. Carlo A. Casingcasing
