The UST Golden Spikers’ title bid came to an end after absorbing a four-set loss to the Alpha Insurance Protectors, 21-25, 25-18, 22-25, 17-25, in the semifinals of the inaugural National Developmental Sports League (NDSL) – Volleyball Series on Tuesday, Aug. 19, at the Playtime Filoil Centre.
Alpha relied on the firepower of wing spiker Barbie San Andres, who scored 22 points, to thwart UST’s rallies and secure a spot in the championship match.
“Even though we fell short, it’s okay because what we’re after in this tournament is for the kids to gain maturity in handling these situations,” UST assistant coach Benjamin Mape told The Flame.
Alpha built a 16-11 lead early, powered by San Andres’s sharp hitting. UST answered with a 5-0 run capped by Gboy de Vega’s off-the-block hit to tie the game at 16-all.
The Protectors then regained momentum after a 4-1 blitz, capping the set with a Francis Casas down-the-line hit, 25-21.
UST tried to regroup in the second set as De Vega, Al-Bukharie Sali and JJ Macam led a 10-3 run to break a 15-all deadlock.
A block from De Vega sealed the frame, 25-18, tying the match at one set apiece.
The third set was a tighter affair as the Golden Spikers overcame a 15-12 deficit to grab an 18-17 edge, topped by a quick hit from Trevor Valera.
Alpha held firm late in the set with Bembem Bautista and Billie Anima delivering three clutch blocks before San Andres closed the set with a check ball for a 2-1 set lead, 25-22.
Riding on the momentum, the Protectors pounced early in the fourth set, breaking away to a 10-4 lead off back-to-back kills by San Andres.
Alpha’s Anima and Bautista snuffed out UST’s rally as San Andres finished the match with an off-the-block hit.
De Vega led the Golden Spikers with 15 points. F – with reports from Joshua Louis Sumanghid
