The UST Junior Golden Spikers made quick work of the UPIS Fighting Maroons, 25-12, 25-16, 25-20, in Round 2 of the UAAP Season 88 boys’ volleyball tournament on Sunday, Nov. 16, at the Blue Eagle Gym.
The Junior Golden Spikers improved to an 8-4 record, while UPIS dropped to 1-11.
Rainier Lorayes was the lone UST player in double digits with 16 points. Bernard Capuno and Karl Escobal chipped in eight and six markers, respectively.
“Nagkaroon kami ng adjustments sa positioning, so ‘yon ‘yong mga pina-practice namin kanina,” UST head coach Aying Esteban told the Varsitarian.
The Junior Golden Spikers surged to a 24-11 lead in the first set behind UPIS errors and two consecutive aces from Lorayes. Justine Jusayang got one back before Lorayes ended the period with a back-row attack, 25-12.
UST gained more momentum as it cruised past the Fighting Maroons in the second set behind the collective efforts of Escobal, Lorayes, and Capuno, who ended the second frame with an off-the-block kill, 25-16.
With the second stringers in during the third set, the Junior Golden Spikers struggled to find their rhythm as UPIS claimed a one-point lead, 10-9. Kian Gabriel then caught fire, scoring two straight points to spark a 16-10 run en route to the win.
Despite playing only in the third set, Gabriel finished with seven points.
UST will face the UE Junior Warriors on Sunday, Nov. 23, at the same venue.
“Importante ‘yong mga susunod na games kasi may pag-asa pa tayo na maging number two dahil tinalo ng Adamson ‘yong FEU kanina so kailangang-kailangan talaga,” Esteban said.
