The UST Tiger Spikers settled for silver in the V-League Men’s Collegiate Cup 2022 after surrendering to the National University Bulldogs via sweep, 23-25, 23-25. 21-25, in their rubber match at the Paco Arena on Friday.
The Bulldogs pulled an 8-0 rally early in the third set to gain the advantage, 13-5, then UST pulled a 12-7 run to cut the deficit to three, 17-20.
Josh Ybañez tried to answer the back-to-back offensive plays of Michaelo Buddin but UST committed a costly miscommunication error to send NU to championship point, 24-20.
After Angelo Almendras’s service error, Kenny Malinis converted a quick attack from the middle to secure NU’s victory, 25-21.
UST head coach Odjie Mamon said the Tiger Spikers would work on their “psychological conditioning” ahead of UAAP Season 85.
“We will work in the holidays pa rin and focus more on the psychological aspect,” UST head coach Odjie Mamon told the Varsitarian.
Ybañez led the Tiger Spikers with 15 points, while Rey de Vega tallied 14.
NU’s Obed Mukaba scattered 14 points and Almendras added 12 points.
The UST Tiger Spikers will gear up for the upcoming UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament slated for January 2023. J.P.L. Cajayon
