THE UST Golden Spikers came short of a comeback victory, absorbing a five-set loss to the NU Bulldogs, on Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Gameville Central Park.
Despite seeing the returns of veterans Gboy de Vega and Dux Yambao on the taraflex, three consecutive points in the extended fifth set sealed the victory for the reigning UAAP champions NU.
“We’re happy with how we played, but we started slow… we should adjust and do better in closing out games next time,” de Vega told The Flame.
The Jhocson-squad made the most of UST’s early miscues, as a quick attack from Godfrey Gambo, followed by a UST attack error, sealed the opening set in favor of NU, 25-16.
The Bulldogs remained composed in the second salvo, as a kill from Leo Ordiales kept his team in a comfortable position, 18-13.
The Spikers remained disadvantaged on offense, as a block point from Disquitado capitalized a late 8-2 run to seize back-to-back sets, 25-15.
The España-squad had a much better showing in the opening moments of the third set, as a down-the-line hit from Gboy de Vega gave UST a slim cushion, 15-13.
The Golden Spikers continued to play their tunes, as an ace from JJ Macam halted a 5-1 UST run to claim their first set and extend the match, 25-20.
UST continued to dictate pace in the fourth frame, as back-to-back kills from Trevor Valera gave the España-squad a slim lead, 16-14.
Momentum continued to side with the Spikers, as an off-the-block hit by de Vega, followed by an attack error from Ordiales, sealed another set for UST to force a decider, 25-22.
Despite climbing back from a two-set deficit, a UST net fault, followed by an NU block point, sealed the victory for the Bulldogs, 16-14.
Ordiales led NU to victory with 19 markers, while Disquitado chipped in 15 points.
Sali paced UST in the loss with 17 points, while Valera and Gabby Hernandez combined for 20 markers.
The Golden Spikers will look to bounce back when they face the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights on Sunday, Aug 16, at the same venue. F
