THE UST Golden Spikers clapped back at the Ateneo Blue Eagles in dominant fashion, 26-24, 25-17, 25-22, in the second round of the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament on Saturday, April 5, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Riding a three-game winning streak, the Golden Spikers firmed up their hold of the third seed with a 7-4 record.
Meanwhile, the Blue Eagles dropped to a 6-5 win-loss slate for fifth place.
Reigning MVP Josh Ybañez steered UST with a 24-point production built on 20 attacks, three aces and a block.
The España-based squad set the tone early with a triple block on Ken Batas to take a 8-2 advantage
Ateneo recovered later in the set as Batas pierced through another triple block to extend the set, 24-all.
However, two off-the-block hits from middle blocker Trevor Valera and Ybañez gave UST the extended opening frame, 26-24.
Both squads were neck and neck midway through the second frame but costly errors from Ateneo allowed UST to take a slim 11-8 lead.
The Golden Spikers then launched a barrage of points as middle blocker Popoy Colinares shut the doors on Jian Salarzon and Batas for a two-set advantage, 25-17.
The third salvo was an even tighter affair but three straight kill blocks by Colinares widened the gap in the latter part, 21-18.
Ateneo tried to capitalize on UST’s errors late in the set but an off-the-block kill by Ybañez ultimately sealed the sweep.
“I’m thankful that the players responded well. There are lapses but it’s understandable. We had minor slip-ups in the first set but we were calm and were able to execute [plays] to win,” UST head coach Odjie Mamon said postgame.
Colinares chalked up 13 points from seven attacks and six kill blocks, while Jay Rack de la Noche added nine markers.
In a losing effort, Batas paced the Blue Eagles with 20 points.
The Golden Spikers will seek to clinch their fourth consecutive win as they face the winless UE Red Warriors on Saturday, April 12, at the same venue. F
