THE UST Junior Golden Spikers nipped the Ateneo Blue Eagles in straight sets, 25-16, 25-5, 25-7, in the UAAP Season 87 boys’ volleyball tournament at the Paco Arena on Saturday, Nov. 9.
With a 10-1 record, UST remained tied at first place with the NUNS Bullpups.
“Sinasabi namin na ‘yong intensity pa rin sa laro, kahit sino kalaban, respect do’n sa players,” UST coach Clarence Esteban told the Varstiarian.
“Still, prepare kami kung ano man magiging kalaban namin. Ipe-prepare pa rin na maging No. 1 kami do’n sa standing.”
The Junior Golden Spikers dominated the opening salvo, maintaining at least a four-point gap throughout the set until the score reached 18-14. From there, they unleashed a set-winning 7-2 run capped off by a Chester Esteban kill, 25-16.
UST opened the second set with eight straight points before burying the Blue Eagles with a 17-5 blitz, punctuated by John Bautista’s kill, 25-5.
The Junior Golden Spikers stayed hot in the third set, opening with a 6-0 burst. Like the second set, UST limited Ateneo to single digits, sealing the game with a service ace by Junior Golden Spiker Chester Fritz, 25-7.
Joncriz Ayco paced UST with nine markers, while Jon Medino added eight points. Closely behind were Crisean Cruz, John Bautista and Gherick Luston with six points each.
Ateneo’s Ethan River and Ranidel de Ocampo scored five markers apiece, followed by Ken Nicolas with three points.
The Junior Golden Spikers will next face the UPIS Junior Fighting Maroons at the same venue on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 1 p.m.
