THE UST Golden Spikers missed out on the V-League men’s collegiate challenge finals after falling short to defending champions DLSU Green Spikers on Wednesday, Sept. 25, at the PhilSports Arena.
DLSU thwarted UST’s comeback efforts with a thrilling five-setter win, 25-23, 26-24, 25-23, 25-23, 15-11, in their do-or-die semifinals clash.
Both teams were neck-and-neck throughout the opening minutes until Green Spikers Rui Ventura and Cris Hernadez converted kills to clinch the frame, 25-23.
The Green Spikers took control of the second set, capitalizing on the Golden Spiker’s attack errors to build an 8-3 lead.
The España squad fought back to bring the set to a deadlock, 23-all, but the Taft squad regained its footing. An attack error from UST opposite hitter Gboy de Vega gave the opponents a 2-0 set lead, 26-24.
On the verge of being swept, the UAAP silver medalists took control after UST captain Dux Yambao’s block on Hernanzed for match point, 24-23. Middle blocker Popoy Colinares sealed the set with a decisive block against Hernandez to force a fourth frame, 25-23.
De Vega’s down-the-line and pipe kills propelled UST to a 5-0 blitz to get a 10-5 advantage to start the fourth frame. Relentless attacks from UST hitters JJ Macam and de Vega allowed them to seize the lead, 22-21.
An attack from opposite hitter Ventura went out, allowing the Golden Spikers to force a decisive fifth set, 25-23.
UST struggled to maintain momentum despite key plays from middle blockers Trevor Valera and Colinares, 10-9. This enabled DLSU to extend its lead to 12-9.
Green Spikers lefty Eric Layug ended the championship hopes of the Golden Spikers with a quick hit, 15-11.
Rookie hotshot Macam powered UST with 17 points on 13 attacks and four blocks. Colinares contributed 15 markers with 6 blocks. De Vega also added 14 points.
Ventura steered DLSU to another finals appearance with 16 kills. Meanwhile, Hernandez and Joshua Magalaman had 14 and 13 markers, respectively.
The Golden Spikers are set to face the NU Bulldogs for Game 1 of the battle for bronze on Sunday, Sept. 29, at the same venue. F – Mc Neil Zyh Serrano
