THE UST Golden Spikers’ impressive winning run came to a screeching halt after falling short to the top-seeded FEU Tamaraws, 23-25, 27-25, 22-25, 15-25, in Round 2 of UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament on Saturday.
Despite boasting three double-digit scorers, the Golden Spikers were unable to tame the relentless FEU squad at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Rookie standout Josh Ybañez got the Golden Spikers off to a strong start with the opening point and later fueled a crucial 7-0 run that put them ahead, 19-17.
This was not enough for the team to seal the opening set, 23-25.
The second set was a nail-biter, with both teams exchanging blows. Trailing 25-all, Ybañez once again chipped a crucial point, before middle blocker Trevor Valera slammed a quick attack to secure the second frame, 27-25.
Another intense exchange unfolded in the third set. Outside UST hitter Gboy De Vega seized control with consecutive points to put the Golden Spikers within striking distance, 18-19.
Unforced errors plagued the Golden Spikers down the stretch, handing the set to the Tamaraws, 22-25.
In the fourth set, UST capitalized on FEU’s miscues to build a 7-3 lead, capped off by a service ace from De Vega.
FEU’s outside hitter Andrei Delicana and middle blocker Lirick Mendoza sparked a comeback for the Tamaraws by scoring consecutively, bringing the score to 11-15.
While Valera secured another point for UST, 15-22, FEU surged ahead with a flurry of points from setter Ariel Cacao and outside hitter Jayjay Javelona.
The match was then sealed for the Tamaraws with an outside attack error by Ybañez.
Acknowledging the need to tighten up their game, both De Vega and Ybañez vowed to learn from their mistakes.
“The match was good. The opponent showed a great performance. Nevertheless, we still need to minimize errors to secure the win,” De Vega told The Flame postgame.
“We will review (our performance) in training. Surely, we will identify our lapses in this game, and that’s what we will improve in the next game,” Ybañez said.
Ybañez led UST with 21 points, while De Vega chipped in 18. Middle blocker Ranier Flor added 11 points for the Golden Spikers.
FEU was paced by Martin Bugaoan and Delicana, who scored 21 and 18 points, respectively.The Golden Spikers will face the UE Red Warriors on Sunday, April 21, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. F
