THE UST Golden Spikers continue to do damage without star spiker Josh Ybañez as they dominated the UP Fighting Maroons in straight sets, 25-18, 25-19, 25-11, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball at the Mall of Asia Arena on March 5, Wednesday.
Rookie JJ Macam scored 15 points built on 10 kills, three aces and two blocks, steering the Golden Spikers to their fourth win in a row.
UST improved to a 4-1 standing, while UP dropped to a 1-4 slate.
Ybañez missed his fourth consecutive game after incurring a right ankle sprain during the Golden Spikers’ campaign opener against the FEU Tamaraws.
The game started off tight, with both teams finding themselves in a 16-all deadlock. UST then set off a 9-2 run capped by an off-the-block kill from Alche Gupiteo to claim the first set, 25-18.
UP took control early in the second set, taking an 11-9 lead after a service error from Dux Yambao. UST roared back and seized the momentum through Macam’s block, 15-14.
Colinares handed the España-based squad a two-set advantage after placing back-to-back aces, 25-19.
The Golden Spikers maintained their confidence in the third period as they secured a 14-point cushion to claim the victory.
Colinares and Jay Rack de la Noche contributed 14 points apiece for UST.
Meanwhile, no one scored more than six points for UP. Kobe Aca-ac had six kills.
The Golden Spikers will try to sustain their winning streak as they battle it out with the Ateneo Blue Eagles on March 9 at the same venue. F
