THE UST Golden Spikers wasted no time dismantling the UP Fighting Maroons, 25-14, 25-17, 25-16, for their third straight win in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament on Sunday, April 19, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Improving to a 9-4 win-loss card, the Golden Spikers strengthened their hold on a solo third.
UST head coach Odjie Mamon emphasized the importance of the commanding victory as they prepare for the Final Four.
“Winning in a dominant fashion is morale-boosting. Aside from our build-out going to the Final Four, it’s better to have confidence,” Mamon said postgame.
“Right now, I’m letting them enjoy and explore but it’s under control. So, I’m happy today that they were able to execute,” he added.
Josh Ybañez led the scoring for the Golden Spikers with 13 points made of nine attacks, two blocks and two aces, while Trevor Valera had 11 markers.
UST asserted dominance early, racing to a 20-10 lead in the opening frame.
Al-Bukharie Sali punctuated the set with a towering block to seal a dominant 25-14 set win.
The Golden Spikers continued to unleash a balanced scoring run to build a 17-10 cushion in the second set.
Ybañez then capped the frame with a ferocious down-the-line hit, 25-17.
After trailing 9-6 early in the third frame, UST responded with a dominant 16-3 run to complete the sweep.
Grayhood Baylon tallied nine points to lead UP’s scoring.
UST will wrap up its elimination campaign against the NU Bulldogs on Wednesday, April 22, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. F
