AFTER FORCING a do-or-die for a finals spot, the UST Golden Spikers collapsed to the reigning champions NU Bulldogs to settle for third place in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday, May 6, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Bulldogs booted out the Golden Spikers via sweep, 25-23, 25-23, 25-23, to seal their 10th consecutive finals appearance.
UST ended its campaign with a bronze behind a 9-5 slate in the elimination round.
“Throughout the season, we had quite a few lapses as a team, Josh had an injury, but we still made it to the second round… We stepped up and were able to climb the rankings,” Jay Rack De la Noche told The Flame.
“The lessons we’ve learned from this loss will help us improve and next season, we’ll come back stronger, especially since we [UST] are hosting. We have to be ready,” he added.
The Bulldogs pounded the Golden Spikers in the opening set as Leo Aringo buried a down-the-line kill for a 16-11 edge.
UST did not back down and mounted a late-game rally as reigning MVP Josh Ybañez took advantage of an overreceive, 23-all. However, NU’s foreign student-athlete Obed Mukaba blocked Ybañez to claim the set, 25-23.
The second frame saw a much more aggressive start from the España squad as it established a 15-10 advantage behind a quick hit from middle blocker Trevor Valera.
However, the Jhocson crew regained momentum and snatched the second frame as Golden Spiker Gboy De Vega sent his hit outside, 25-23.
The Bulldogs did not show complacency to start the third salvo as star spiker Buds Buddin came back from injury and went for an off-the-block hit, 8-5.
UST attempted to turn the tables in the latter stretch, capitalizing on NU’s crucial errors, 23-all. But an off-the-block kill from Jade Disquitado put down the Golden Spikers.
Leo Ordiales anchored the Jhocson squad with 20 points. Disquitado chalked up a double-double built on 14 markers and 11 excellent receptions.
Ybañez finished with a double-double performance for UST, contributing 14 points and 11 receptions, while De Vega chipped in 12 markers.
UST is set to retain its core roster next season, with most players still holding three years of eligibility. F
