The UST Golden Spikers overcame a rough start to defeat the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, 22-25, 25-15, 25-19, 25-23, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, April 5, at the Quadricentennial Pavilion.
With the win, the Golden Spikers improved to a 7-4 record, strengthening their hold on the No. 3 seed. Meanwhile, the Red Warriors dropped to a 2-9 slate.
Josh Ybañez went scoreless in the first set but erupted for 25 points over the next three sets to lead UST. Joncriz Ayco chipped in 12 points, while Trevor Valera added 11.
“Nilabas ko muna si Josh noong first set. Kasi like half pa lang ng set, minus five na siya doon sa stats namin,” UST head coach Odjie Mamon said postgame. “We reminded the players to play our own system. ‘Yong pinuntos nila, pinag-aaralan namin araw-araw.”
Roy Piojo caught fire for UE, helping build an early four-point lead, 14-10. The Golden Spikers closed the gap with a 9-5 run to tie it at 19-all before Raquim Aceron and Piojo’s timely attacks sealed the set, 25-22.
The Golden Spikers then surged to a 15-7 advantage and never looked back, keeping the Red Warriors at bay for the rest of the second set, 25-15.
UST found itself down 14-10 in the third set, but a Jan Macam kill and three straight block points allowed the Golden Spikers to even the score at 14-all.
The Golden Spikers’ defense held firm, as Ayco and Vyn Catinsag contained UE’s attacks en route to the Set 3 win, 25-19.
Tied at 11-all, UST went on a 7-3 run to take control, 18-14.
The Red Warriors answered with a 7-3 run of their own to knot the game at 21-all, before two consecutive attacks from Ybañez put UST at match point.
Aceron delivered an attack but then committed a service error that ultimately handed the Golden Spikers the win, 25-23.
Aceron led UE with 17 points, followed by Piojo with 13.
The Golden Spikers will next face the Adamson Falcons on Saturday, April 11, at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
