THE UST Golden Spikers claimed their second straight win after edging the Mapúa University Cardinals, 22-25, 25-19, 25-23, 26-24, in the V-League Collegiate Challenge on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Gameville Central Park.
Al-Bukharie Sali led UST with 22 points built on 20 attacks and two aces, while Trevor Valera added 15 markers.
UST opened the first set with a 15-6 lead, but Mapua erased the deficit with a 16-6 run to take a 22-21 advantage. PJ Reyes then completed the comeback with the finishing kill, 25-22.
The Growling Tigers raced to another 15-9 cushion in the second set and sustained their lead, with rookie Titus Villacrusis ending the frame with a quick attack, 25-19.
Mapua mounted another late comeback in the third set, cutting UST’s lead to 24-23 after committing 12 errors, but the Growling Tigers held on as Dux Yambao finished off the set with a kill.
UST trailed for much of the fourth set as Mapua reached set point, 24-22.
But Sali stepped up with three straight attacks to keep the Growling Tigers alive before an Intramuros-side error handed UST the win and its second straight victory.
Reyes and Ar-Jay Ramos led the helm for Mapua with 14 and 13 points, respectively.
UST will look to improve its standings when it faces the College of Saint Benilde on Sunday, Sept. 20, at the same venue. F
