THE UST Tiger Sands wrapped up their flawless Season 87 run by capturing their sixth straight UAAP men’s beach volleyball title, warding off the NU Bulldogs, 21-13, 21-15, in the finals at the SM Sands by the Bay on Tuesday, Nov. 26.
The Tiger Sands have now won nine titles UAAP men’s beach volleyball, with this year’s team, bannered by Alche Gupiteo and Dominique Gabito, sweeping the tournament.
“Lahat ‘to blessings sa amin. Alam namin na medyo umangat ang laro ng lahat ng schools kaya ‘yong pressure nandito sa amin. Pero buti na lang, nag-excel pa rin despite that,” UST head coach Paul Doloiras told the Varsitarian.
“‘Yong mga player, battle-tested ‘yan kaya tiwala ako sa kanila. Hindi naman namin ‘to magagawa kung hindi dahil sa poise at development na pinakita nila,” he added.
UST pulled away early in the first set, 13-8, before Gupiteo dictated the offense to win the opener, 21-13.
After a nip-and-tuck affair early, the Tiger Sands leaned on Gabito’s exploits, igniting a 12-6 finishing run en route to the championship.
Gabito snagged the Season 87 MVP award.
“Halos one year din po naming pinaghirapan ‘to. Kasi si Alche galing sa indoor e. Ako, bago lang ako, first time ko lang maglaro sa MOA,” Gabito said. “Trinabaho talaga namin and sakto naman ‘yong naging preparation namin bago kami sumalang dito sa UAAP.”
Earlier in the day, the Tiger Sands swept the UP Fighting Maroons, 21-15, 21-12, in the semifinals to advance to the championship match.
The Tiger Sands finished the tournament without any hitch, winning all their sets in another dominant season.
