THE UST Golden Spikers outlasted the reigning NCAA champions University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) Altas in the V-League men’s collegiate challenge on Sunday, Aug. 18.
The UAAP silver medalists capitalized on their 12 blocks to deny the aggressive UPHSD a reverse sweep, 25-18, 25-22, 25-23, 25-23, 15-9, at the Paco Arena.
UST started strong with a 4-0 lead behind middle blocker Popoy Colinares’ quick attack and a kill block. Open hitter Gboy de Vega added two combination plays and a backrow kill to help widen the gap midway, 18-12.
The Golden Spikers secured the opening set after Altas open hitter Jeff Marapoc’s attack went out, 25-18.
In the second salvo, UPHSD’s open hitter Kobe Tabuga briefly gave his team a 4-2 edge. However, UST regained a slim 7-6 lead with a quick hit from middle blocker Trevor Valera.
The two teams had a close fight throughout the set, but late-game blocks from Valera gave UST the edge and a two-set lead, 25-22.
On the verge of getting swept, the Altas fought back with three consecutive blocks, 9-all. Marapoc’s through-the-block kill brought UPHSD to set point, but UST rookie opposite hitter Bukhaire Sali narrowed the gap with a crosscourt hit, 24-23.
Atlas spiker KC Andrade then sealed the third frame with a down-the-line hit to extend the match, 25-23.
UPHSD continued their momentum in the fourth set, building an eight-point lead from John Castil and Andrade’s crosscourt kills, 21-13.
The Golden Spikers had a seven-point run late in the set, but an attack from Tabuga gave Atlas a decisive set win to force a sudden death, 25-23.
De Vega stepped up for UST in the final set, delivering five crucial kills to close out the match, 15-9.
“We didn’t have a break for this whole week… [W]e prepared for this match because it’s difficult to gain our momentum” Colinares told The Flame.
Colinares showed out for the España-based squad with 18 points, including five blocks, while Jayrack dela Noche added 16 points from 13 attacks and a service ace. De Vega and Valera chipped in 14 and 13 markers, respectively.
Tabuga led the Altas with 18 points, while Marapoc followed up with 15 markers.
UST and UPHSD are now tied with 2-2 win-loss records.
The Golden Spikers look to win their third-straight as they face the Letran Knights on Aug. 28 at the same venue. F
