The UST Tiger Spikers fell against the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 25-19, 25-15, 25-21, in Game 1 of the 1st Premiere Volleyball League semifinals at the Arena in San Juan Wednesday.
Ateneo overcame an early deficit in the third set when it unloaded a 19-9 blast capped by an off-the-block hit from Ishmael Rivera to lead, 22-16. UST tried to come back but Eagle Hermino Labao’s crosscourt kill shut the door on the Tiger Spikers.
The Blue Eagles asserted their dominance with a 21-11 lead in the second frame, before Karl Baysa’s through-the-block kill gave Ateneo a 2-0 set advantage.
Ateneo broke a 9-all deadlock in the opening canto with an 11-5 blitz. A UST error and two blocks from reigning UAAP MVP Marck Espejo ended the set, 25-19.
“Poor execution. May set play kami [pero] ‘yung setter ayaw sumunod sa instruction. Wala sila sa right frame of mind to play. Walang gustong mag-step up,” UST head coach Odjie Mamon said.
The Tiger Spikers committed 31 errors against Ateneo’s 17.
The Eagles’ lofty net defense yielded 11 blocks while the Tiger Spikers only had five.
Espejo led all scorers with 11 points while Chumason Njigha had 10 points.
Tiger Spiker Arnold Bautista chipped in 10.
UST will try to get even against the Eagles in game two on Oct. 7, Saturday, 8 a.m., at the same venue.
