THE UST Golden Spikers snapped their two-game losing streak after a thrilling victory over the UAAP champions NU Bulldogs in the V-League men’s collegiate challenge on Aug. 11, Sunday at the Paco Arena.
In a rematch of the UAAP Season 86 finals, the runner-ups Golden Spikers survived the powerhouse Bulldogs in four sets, 28-26, 20-25, 25-23, 26-24, to pick up their first win in the tournament.
The match began with both teams exchanging heavy hits as middle blocker Trevor Valera gave UST a three-point lead with a quick attack, 22-19. NU’s middle blocker Obed Mukaba responded with a quick running attack to force an extension in the opening set, 24-all.
Golden Spikers’ rookie hitters JJ Macam and Al-Bukharie Sali then delivered back-to-back off-the-block and cross-court kills to clinch set one, 28-26.
The second salvo unfolded similarly as both teams went neck-to-neck, but Bulldog skipper Leo Aringo’s powerful hits challenged UST’s floor defense, 22-20. Mukaba’s solid block against Gboy de Vega sealed the second set for NU, 25-20, to level the match at one-set all.
Middle blocker Popoy Colinares made quick plays to establish an early three-point lead for the España squad, 5-2 during the third set. Three straight kills from Aringo shaved the Bulldogs’ deficit to one, 18-17.
NU attempted to push a late surge, but an off-the-block kill from de Vega shut the third frame for UST, 25-23.
The Golden Spikers struggled with errors in the fourth set, but their spikers still got the job done as the trio of de Vega, Macam and Sali combined for 10 points to secure the set and the match, 27-25.
“We were hungry for our first win, and I hope we can continue this momentum,” Macam told The Flame.
Rookie hotshot Macam received Player of the Game honors after contributing 14 points on 13 attacks for UST. De Vega contributed 17 points on 15 attacks and a service ace, while Sali added eight markers.
Aringo led NU with game-high 21 points on 20 attacks and a service ace, while Buddin and Abadilla added 14 markers each. The Bulldogs dropped to a 2-1 record.
The Golden Spikers, who improved to a 1-2 win-loss card, aim to maintain their momentum when they face the reigning NCAA champions, the UPHSD Altas, on Sunday, Aug. 18, at the Ynares Sports Arena. F – Mc Neil Zyh Serrano
