THE UST Golden Spikers repelled the comeback efforts of the DLSU Green Spikers in four tight sets, 25-22, 25-22, 16-25, 25-22, to earn their first win in Round 2 of the UAAP Season 87 on Saturday, March 29.
UST halted its three-game losing streak after weathering the 30-point outing of DLSU star Noel Kampton at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The victory marked a twin 5-4 win-loss record between the two squads.
“We bounced back and also worked hard in our training… We strengthened our hearts and minds,” reigning MVP Josh Ybañez told The Flame.
Both teams traded points early in the match until back-to-back aces by Ybañez put UST on top, 14-11.
UST fended off DLSU’s attempts to extend the lead as Ybañez dished out an ace, 25-22.
The España squad maintained momentum in the second frame, burying the Taft squad after Ybañez pierced through the blockers, 5-0.
An ace from DLSU middle blocker Nat del Pilar rallied another 4-0 blitz late in the second set but a service error handed UST a two-set advantage, 25-22.
The Green Spikers stayed alive in the third salvo after a kill and an ace by Kampton put them up by five, 13-8.
DLSU sustained its rhythm, launching a 6-1 barrage capped off by an Eco Adajar ace to avoid a sweep, 25-16.
In the fourtth frame, Ybañez drilled a kill from the right pin to establish an early 4-0 lead for the Golden Spikers.
The Green Spikers tried to crawl back into the game but a quick attack from Trevor Valera finished it off.
Ybañez led the charge with 21 points built on 15 attacks and six aces. Popoy Colinares chipped in 15 markers from 12 attacks, two blocks and an ace.
The Golden Spikers will try to keep rolling as they go up against the Adamson Soaring Falcons on Wednesday, April 2, at the same venue. F
