FACING FAMILIAR and formidable foes, the UST Golden Spikers found themselves in a tough spot during the fourth set of the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball eliminations closer against the reigning champions NU Bulldogs, on Wednesday, April 22.
After taking the first two sets, UST were poised for a straight-sets victory. But NU roared back in Set 3 and even seized a seven-point cushion midway through the fourth, threatening a full reverse sweep as momentum shifted heavily on their favor.
UST, however, clawed its way back behind an unlikely spark.
Reserve opposite hitter Sherwin Umandal delivered all nine of his points in the closing stretch of the fourth set, spearheading the Golden Spikers’ comeback to secure the victory for the España squad.
A familiar presence in UST’s pocket tournaments since 2022, Umandal emphasized a ‘stay ready’ mindset despite limited playing time this season.
“In the past few games I’ve always sat out, but I always keep myself ready because I know that the coaches can put me in anytime,” Umandal told The Flame.
“I know that the coaches trust me, it’s just that other players in my position have been performing well too,” he added.
UST and NU are set for at least two more encounters, beginning with a crucial showdown for the twice-to-beat advantage. Regardless of the outcome, both teams will face each other again in the Final Four.
Having faced the Jhocson-squad in UST’s last two finals appearance, Umandal expressed confidence in the Golden Spikers readiness.
“I would say that our team is ready. We’ve scouted NU many times, and we’ve also faced them a lot during the preseason, so I would say we’re ready for them,” Umandal said.
The Golden Spikers will attempt to wrest the remaining twice-to-beat incentive from the Bulldogs on Saturday, April 25, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. F
