THE UST Golden Spikers bowed down to the top-seeded FEU Tamaraws, 25-23, 25-27, 25-22, 25-15, in the second round of the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Saturday, April 13.
The Tamaraws became the first team to reach 10 wins this season after besting the Golden Spikers, who remained in fourth place with a 7-5 tally.
Both teams converted 55 attack points, but FEU towered over UST with a 16-7 advantage in blocks.
League-leading spiker Martin Bugaoan led FEU’s blocking department with six blocks, while Lirick Mendoza added four block points.
With the first set tied at 23-all, FEU rookie Andrei Delicana powered through the block before Josh Ybañez’s attack sailed out to give the Tamaraws a 1-0 lead.
The Golden Spikers overcame a 7-2 FEU start in the second frame and pulled off a gritty 27-25 set win to tie the game at one set apiece.
Vincent Nadera sent the Tamaraws to set point in the third frame after denying Josh Ybañez, 24-21, before Delicana committed an attack error that forced FEU to call time. However, Bugaoan responded and finished the set with a quick hit.
Leading only by one, 12-11, the Tamaraws limited UST to only four points in the remainder of the game, burying the Golden Spikers with a game-sealing 13-4 run.
Bugaoan paced the Tamaraws with 21 points, while Delicana chalked up 18 points.
Ybañez also had 21 markers, while Gboy de Vega chipped in 18 markers and 25 excellent receptions.
The Golden Spikers, who have two games left, will next face the UE Red Warriors on April 21, Sunday, 10 a.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
