THE UST Golden Spikers secured their third consecutive win in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament after sweeping the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 25-18, 25-15, 25-23, on Saturday, Mar. 1, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Still without their star spiker Josh Ybañez, the Golden Spikers continue to thrive as Alche Gupiteo and JJ Macam combined for 26 points to secure the victory.
“We became mature on the court… and some factor that also contributed was our happiness,” open spiker Gupiteo said postgame.
“Our happiness is what pushed us to victory,” the former beach volleyball MVP added.
Both teams kicked off the match tightly as UST’s Trevor Valera went for a quick attack to take a one-point edge, 15-14.
The Golden Spikers built a 7-0 run courtesy of back-to-back points from Macam. Valera ended the set with a solid block, 25-18.
Last year’s silver medalists showed dominance in the second set as setter Dux Yambao converted a smart play to widen the gap, 13-4. UST eventually took the set after Soaring Falcon Joel Menor’s attack went out of bounds, 25-15.
It was a different script in the third set as Adamson took control early. Opposite hitter Jude Aguilar sparked a 5-0 run to take a four-point advantage, 13-9.
The España-based squad found their rhythm midway through the set, as Macam converted consecutive kills to tie the game at 18-all. Valera then sealed the deal with a strong hit from the center, 25-23.
Four players scored in double-digits for UST with Gupiteo and Macam scoring 13 points each. Jayrack de la Noche and Popoy Colinares had 11 and 10 markers, respectively.
Meanwhile, Aguilar and Marc Paulino led Adamson with seven points apiece.
UST will look to continue their winning streak as they face the UP Fighting Maroons on Wednesday, March 5, at FilOil Arena. F – Czarina Mari Agaton
