THE UST Golden Spikers took out the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights in four sets, 20-25, 25-17, 25-18, 25-21, to claim their second win in the V-League men’s Collegiate Challenge on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the Paco Arena.
Despite committing 10 unforced errors in the opening frame, UST bounced back in the next sets behind a 21-point outing from sophomore Al-Bukharie Sali.
“We came from a game yesterday, then another game today—good thing we recovered,” UST assistant coach Benjamin Mape told The Flame.
“The boys recovered quickly from our instructions, so far so good,” he added.
Letran found its rhythm early as middle blocker Vince Himzon blocked a JJ Macam hit to propel a 4-1 run in the first set.
Macam tried to fire up a late rally, but Letran’s Maximuz Lopez unleashed a down-the-line kill to win the set, 25-20.
The Golden Spikers started slow in the second set before Sali had three straight blocks to take an 11-9 lead.
UST held on to the slim lead as Macam and spark plug Sherwin Umandal scored back-to-back kills to tie the match one set apiece, 25-17.
In the third salvo, Macam’s off-the-block hit ignited a 6-0 barrage for his team, 21-14. The Knights tried to fuel a counterrun, but a quick attack from UST rookie Crisean Cruz sealed the two-set advantage, 25-18.
After a 9-all deadlock to begin the fourth set, UST took command as opposite hitter Joncriz Ayco came off the bench to spark another 6-0 blitz, 22-17. Back-to-back kills from Sali halted the Knights’ 3-1 mini-run to claim the victory.
De Vega had 13 points, while Macam added 12 for the Golden Spikers.
Lopez was the lone double-digit scorer for the Knights, chipping in 11 markers.
The Golden Spikers will look to keep their momentum rolling as they face the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde on Saturday, Aug. 16, at the same venue. F
