THE UST Golden Spikers stunned the twice-to-beat FEU Tamaraws in three sets, 25-23, 25-19, 28-26, forcing a do-or-die match for a finals spot in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament.
Reigning MVP Josh Ybañez, open hitter Gboy de Vega and opposite spiker Sherwin Umandal led the España-based squad and last year’ finalist to the crucial victory on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
A close opening set saw UST overcome an early deficit, 7-8, to secure the win with a score of 25-23, courtesy of lefty hitter Jay Rack de la Noche’s powerful attack.
UST capitalized on FEU’s errors in the second set with Rainier Flor’s strong showing to build a comfortable lead, 13-9.
Umandal’s crosscourt kills further extended the advantage, and Popoy Colinares closed out the set with a quick attack, 25-19.
The third salvo was a neck-and-neck match as the two teams traded powerful blows. FEU brought the game to a deadlock after UST committed an error, 8-all.
FEU’s Zhydryx Saavedra managed to extend the set after an attack point, 24-all. However, Ybañez delivered the winning attack for UST, 28-26.
“I’m so happy because my teammates really collaborated this time. I’m so happy that someone stepped up for me when I was shaky during the first set,” Ybanez told The Flame.
“We’ll just stay calm and stick and play according to the system and of course, trust our teammates,” he added.
Ybañez carried UST with a game-high 16 points from 15 attacks and an ace, while Umandal and Colinares chalked up 14 and 10 markers, respectively.
Saavedra dropped a team-high 14 points for FEU, while Martin Bugaoan poured in ten markers.
The UST Golden Spikers will try to secure a ticket to the finals in the rubber match against the FEU Tamaraws on May 8 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. F – Nolan Adrian Villamor Jr.
