THE UST Golden Spikers took their last bow with another bronze finish after falling to the reigning champions NU Bulldogs via sweep, 21-25, 28-30, 19-25, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball Final Four on Wednesday, April 29, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
With three-time MVP Josh Ybañez held to only nine points and 16 receptions, senior outside spiker Gboy De Vega carried UST’s load with 14 points and 14 receptions.
The España squad met the same fate as last season, with the Jhocson crew once again denying their return to the finals.
With the loss, UST extended its title drought to 15 years, with its last championship coming in Season 72 back in 2010.
UST struggled to set up its offense early in the match, committing untimely miscues that widened the gap to 22-17.
The Golden Spikers attempted to turn the tables with a couple of blocks before veteran spiker Michaelo Buddin scored the last three points to take the opener, 25-20.
Back-to-back backrow kills from NU spiker Jade Disquitado, coupled with more errors from UST, allowed the Bulldogs to pull away midway through the second set, 19-14.
Momentum swung to the side of the España squad after a crucial net touch by Buddin extended the set, 24-all. But two straight errors in the endgame proved more costly for UST, as NU middle blocker Obed Mukaba hammered a quick hit to take a 30-28 set win.
The defending champions capitalized on the attack errors of UST for an early 10-4 blitz in the third salvo.
Rookie opposite spiker Joncriz Ayco came off the bench to breathe life into UST, scoring three attacks to stop the bleeding midway through the set, 21-15.
However, Disquitado and Leo Ordiales wasted no time, converting back-to-back kills to bring NU back in the finals and UST home.
Buddin led the six-peat-seeking Bulldogs with a 17-point, 18-reception double-double, while Disquitado and Ordiales combined for 20 points.
Middle blockers Vryvin Catinsag added six points, while Sherwin Umandal was limited to five attacks in the loss. F
