ROOKIES SHOWED potential for the UST Golden Spikers but were unable to snatch the game from the DLSU Green Archers, absorbing another loss in the V-League collegiate challenge at the Paco Arena.
The Ybañez-less Golden Spikers suffered a four-set defeat at the hands of the mighty Green Archers, 19-25, 25-27, 25-23, 20-25, on Wednesday, Aug. 7.
UST started things off with an energized 8-5 edge after a block from rookie opposite hitter JJ Macam. DLSU eventually took the lead as rookie open spiker Eman Hernandez delivered a strong kill to the back row, 11-10.
The España squad struggled to defend its floor from the Taft-based squad’s hits. Green Archer Eric Layug gave his team the first frame after a set-clinching block, 25-19.
Macam put UST on a high note to begin the second set, 6-1. Things tightened up as DLSU’s opposite hitter Michael Fortuna produced two consecutive aces to lead by three, 17-14.
The Green Archers extended the set after an error, 24-all. But Hernandez closed it out with back-to-back smart plays to lead two sets to none, 27-25.
Trying to get their momentum, Macam threw down a pipe attack to give the Golden Spikers a three-point advantage, 17-14.
DLSU caught up to tie the game, 23-all, but committed two straight errors to give UST a fighting chance in the match, 25-23.
The fourth set found the Golden Spikers playing catch up, struggling to break into the three-point deficit, 21-18. Green Archers continued their drive with playmaker Eco Adajar finishing it off with a game-clinching ace, 25-20.
Despite the loss, UST enjoyed the scoring outputs of rookies Macam with 17 points and Bukharie Sali with 16 points.
The Green Archers had four players in double-digits with Joshua Magalaman leading them with 13 points, followed by Fortuna and Eugene Gloria with 12 apiece. Layug and Hernandez added 11 and 10 markers, respectively.
The UAAP Season 86 runner-ups fell to a 0-2 record, while DLSU stayed unblemished at 2-0.
The Golden Spikers will look to claim their first victory as they face the UAAP Season 86’s defending champions NU Bulldogs on Aug. 11, at the same venue. F – C. M. Agaton
