THE UST Golden Spikers fell into the nest of the Ateneo Blue Eagles, halting their winning streak at four games in the first round of the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, March 9.
Ateneo’s offensive duo of Ken Batas and Amil Pacinio proved too much to handle as they combined for 38 points to take down UST in four sets, 20-25, 22-25, 25-22, 21-25, spoiling the return of two-time MVP Josh Ybañez.
Ybañez, who missed the last four games due to a right ankle sprain, came off the bench and went scoreless.
The España squad slipped to a 4-2 win-loss record, while the Katipunan side improved to 3-2.
Both teams went back and forth to open the match as Golden Spiker Trevor Valera put them within one, 7-6. Ateneo then took control with Batas scoring three straight points topped with a back-row finish to seal the first set, 25-20.
Golden Spikers kept the game within striking distance in the second set, but the Blue Eagles remained in front after Batas continued to detonate, 24-20.
UST rookie Bukharie Sali managed to save a set point, but Pacinio gave Ateneo a two-set advantage with a powerful opposite-side attack, 25-22.
Not looking to get swept, the Golden Spikers found their rhythm midway through the third set as De Vega and Macam spearheaded a 16-12 cushion. JJ Macam then delivered a clutch off-the-block kill to force a fourth frame, 25-22.
In the fourth set, Macam committed an attack error that fueled a 6-0 Ateneo run to stretch the gap to 20-15. Pacinio sealed the victory with an empathic attack from the opposite.
After winning 12 straight sets going into the match, the Golden Spikers struggled as they committed 35 errors to the Blue Eagles’ 24.
Despite the loss, UST had four players in double-figures with Macam leading the way with 14 points. Jay Rack de la Noche added 12 markers, while Gboy de Vega and Popoy Colinares had 11 each.
The Golden Spikers will look to bounce back as they take on the reigning champions NU Bulldogs to wrap up the first round on Sunday, March 16, at the same venue. F – Mc Neil Zyh Serrano
