UST OPEN spiker Gboy de Vega made a statement in his return to the starting lineup, powering the Golden Spikers to force a rubber match against the reigning champions NU Bulldogs for the last finals spot.
The Batangas native last started in their first-round match against the Adamson Soaring Falcons on March 1 before being benched. But in the crucial Final Four showdown, he saw increased minutes and made the most of his opportunity.
De Vega launched 14 points from 13 attacks and a service ace to help his team stun their finals tormentors in four sets, 26-24, 27-25, 19-25, 25-18, on Saturday, March 3, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“I’ll just do my best to contribute to the team… I still want to play in the finals,” De Vega told The Flame.
“I’m thankful because coach gave me another chance to come back and prove my doubters wrong—those who thought I couldn’t help the team,” he said postgame.
UST head coach Odjie Mamon said De Vega’s finals experience was key in deciding to reinsert him into the starting lineup.
“I trust him because Gboy played in the past two championship games, we decided to field him in,” Mamon said.
For de Vega, the past battles for the title helped him mentally prepare for the high-stakes matchup.
“The past two championships taught me about mental toughness. This semifinal game isn’t just about strength—it’s also about heart and sharp thinking,” the open spiker said.
“Each and every game, I’m ready for whatever role is given to me. When they need me, I make sure I’m ready. I’m thankful to coach for giving me the confidence to return to the court,” he added.
De Vega revealed that Mamon had only informed him about his bigger role shortly before the game.
The victory not only kept UST’s title hopes alive but also ended a four-game skid against NU, dating back to last season’s finals.
Last year’s finalists will battle once more for a coveted finals berth on Wednesday, May 7, at the same venue. F
