THE UST Golden Spikers suffered a beat down from the DLSU Green Spikers in Game 2 of the V-League men’s collegiate challenge on Sunday, Sept. 22, at the PhilSports Arena.
The defending champions overpowered the Golden Spikers in straight sets, 25-18, 25-20, and 25-23, to force a do-or-die Game 3.
The match began with a neck-and-neck affair until UST’s defense faltered late with net violations and failed blocks.
This allowed DLSU to take set one after open spiker Chris Hernandez delivered a down-the-line kill, 25-18.
The Golden Spikers fought back early in the second salvo thanks to hits from rookies Al-Bukharie Sali and JJ Macam, 9-8. However, Green Spiker Joshua Magalaman ignited a 6-0 run to overtake the lead, 17-10.
The España squad could not capitalize on the Taft-based squad’s three straight errors near set-point. A crosscourt kill from DLSU open hitter Uriel Mendoza gave his team a 2-0 set advantage, 25-20.
On the verge of being swept, UST fought fiercely in the third set as middle blocker Popoy Colinares converted two straight blocks to cut the lead to one, 9-8.
Sali also found his rhythm with his down-the-line kill to help the Golden Spikers keep the match within reach, 21-all.
UST opposite spiker Gboy Devega tied the score at 23-all with a block but his counterpart Rui Ventura sealed the match with an off-the-block hit to extend the best-of-three semifinals.
Opposite hitter Sali was the lone double-digit scorer for the Golden Spikers with seven kills and three blocks.
Middle blocker Magalaman led the Green Spikers with a game-high 13 points built on seven attacks, four blocks and two aces. Hernandez added seven attacks and four blocks.
The Golden Spikers will aim for their second straight finals in Game 3 of the semifinals on Wednesday, Sept. 25, at the same venue. F
