THE UST Golden Spikers seize their first victory in the V-League Collegiate Challenge after routing the DLSU Green Spikers in straight sets, 25-23, 25-21, 25-23, on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at the Gameville Central Park.
Alas Pilipinas member Al-Bukharie Sali led the España squad to their maiden win of the tournament with 16 markers built on 14 attacks and two service aces.
Both teams traded blows in the early moments of the match, but a service error from La Salle, followed by a quick attack from Vryvin Catinsag, gave UST a slim lead, 16-13.
Despite DLSU igniting a 4-0 run to trim UST’s five set points, another quick hit from Catinsag sealed the opening set in the España-squad’s favor, 25-23.
Both squads continued their nip-and-tuck affair in the second salvo, as an attack error from JJ Macam sent the match into a 16-all deadlock.
UST eventually found their rhythm late, as an off-the-block hit from UAAP Season 88 Boy’s MVP Rainier Lorayes capitalized a 6-3 run to seal back-to-back sets for the Golden Spikers, 25-21.
DLSU remained in close quarters in the third frame, as an out-of-system hit from Iman Hernandez, followed by a UST service error, trimmed the deficit for the Green Spikers, 16-17.
Two straight points from Yoyong Mendoza and Hernandez inched La Salle closer to an extended set, but a quick hit from Catinsag completed the sweep for UST, 25-23.
Trevor Valera sparked UST’s offense with 10 attacks, while team captain Dux Yambao added 22 excellent sets.
Issa Ousseini paced La Salle in the loss with 15 points, while Hernandez chipped in seven attacks.
The Golden Spikers will look to make it two wins in a row when they face the Mapua Cardinals on Saturday, Sept. 12, at the same venue. F
