THE UST Golden Spikers claimed their third straight win with a 25-13, 25-22, 25-21 thrashing of the UP Fighting Maroons in the second round of the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, April 10.
With UST’s three consecutive wins, the Golden Spikers solidified their hold of the fourth spot with a 7-4 record, while the UP Fighting Maroons remained winless in 11 games.
The Golden Spikers came out firing, walloping the Fighting Maroons in the first set, 25-13.
UP tried to keep it close in the second set, 23-22, but Gboy de Vega unleashed back-to-back kills that gave UST a 2-0 lead.
In the third salvo, UST middle blocker Paul Colinares sat out of the game after twisting his ankle and instantly committing a net fault that sent the game to an 11-all deadlock. He had six points, including three blocks.
The Golden Spikers broke the tie at 14-all and capitalized on a 4-0 run which they maintained to complete the sweep, 25-21.
“With this win, talagang makikitang nakukuha na ng team ‘yong rhythm,” UST assistant Benjamin Mape said postgame. “Iyong problems namin no’ng first round, walang communication, puro errors. This time, with the week-long break, napag-aralan namin ‘yong mga lapses namin.”
Josh Ybañez paced UST with 23 points built on 21 attacks and two aces, while De Vega chipped in 13 points.
Angelo Lagando led UP with 12 markers, while Jaivee Malabanan added 10 points.
The UST Golden Spikers will next face the FEU Tamaraws on Saturday noon, April 13, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
