THE UST Golden Spikers missed their chance at a twice-to-beat edge after enduring a 25-22, 20-25, 25-23, 28-26 loss to the defending champions NU Bulldogs in their playoff for No. 2 in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament on Saturday, April 25, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
UST takes the tougher route, facing NU once more in a win-or-go-home semifinals clash on Wednesday, April 29.
The Alas Pilipinas duo of Leo Ordiales and Michaelo Buddin powered the defending champions with a combined 42 points to clinch the No. 2 spot.
It was an erroneous start for both squads, as they committed nine errors apiece, but costly miscues midway put UST in a 20-16 deficit.
NU did not look back as Buddin and Ordiales fired the finishing blows to secure the first set, 25-22.
The España squad recovered in the second frame, firing a 6-1 blitz late for a 20-15 lead.
As the Bulldogs struggled offensively, UST opposite spiker Sherwin came clutch to seal the equalizer, 25-20.
It was another seesaw battle in the third set until the Golden Spikers launched a 4-0 run capped by a block and attack by Gboy de Vega, regaining a 19-18 edge.
However, open spikers Buddin and Jade Disquitado hammered back-to-back kills to seal a 2-1 set lead, 25-23.
NU middle blockers Peng Taguibolos and Obed Mukaba came alive midway through the fourth set with crucial blocks to clinch a 17-14 lead.
Season 88 MVP Josh Ybañez breathed life into the España squad to force an extension, but a crucial block against him by Ordiales sealed the Final Four picture.
Ybañez paced the Golden Spikers with a double-double performance of 20 points and 16 receptions. De Vega and Umandal combined for 25 points in the loss. F
