UAAP: UST cruises to fourth straight win in men’s volleyball
UST Golden Spikers during a UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — New heroes continue to rise to carry the University of Santo Tomas in Josh Ybañez’s absence.
The Tigers nabbed their fourth straight win after a 25-18, 25-19, 25-11 sweep of the University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Two-time MVP Ybañez hasn’t returned to action after a grade 2 ankle sprain that he sustained in the opener, but the trio of JJ Macam, Poy Colinares, and Jay Rack De La Noche continued to step up for the Golden Spikers to rise to solo second place with a 4-1 record.
LIVE: UAAP Season 87 volleyball March 5 – UE vs FEU, UP vs UST
UST had a high-percentage offense, nailing 42 of its 73 attack attempts led by Macam’s game-high 15 points off 10 kills, three aces, and two blocks. Colinares had a 7-of-11 attacking clip and fired four aces and three blocks for 14 points, while De La Noche also scored 14.
“I think the players are enjoying themselves now while playing with each other. Their confidence level is high, so I’m very happy. No matter who I put in, they can deliver,” UST coach Odjie Mamon said.
UST Golden Spikers’ Jan Macam. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
“Even before Josh’s injury, a minimum of ten players would play per game because that’s our regular rotation. It’s a way for me to maximize my players. My two middle blockers haven’t had much exposure yet, but they definitely won’t be demoralized or lose confidence since they have their individual roles.”
READ: UAAP: Perfect week for UST volleyball teams
Trevor Valera had eight points on five attacks, two blocks, and one ace, while Alche Gupiteo added five points with team captain Dux Yambao dishing out 16 excellent sets in the win.
No UP player scored in double figures with Kobe Aca-ac having the highest output of six points, sliding to a 1-4 record.
FEU dominates winless UE
FEU Tamaraws during a UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball game. –UAAP PHOTO
Meanwhile, Far Eastern University unleashed another balanced attack to sweep the winless University of the East, 25-16, 25-23, 25-19, and stay unscathed with a 5-0 record — the team’s best start in six years.
Mikko Espartero sustained his fine form with eight points and six digs, while Lirick Mendoza also scored eight off five kills and three blocks.
Setter Benny Martinez paced the Tamaraws with 10 excellent receptions, as Dryx Saavedra, team captain Jelord Talisayan, and Doula Ndongala contributed seven points each.
READ: UAAP men’s volleyball: FEU overcomes health woes, Ateneo to stay perfect
“We just keep going. We don’t stop. I think we’ve already overcome the struggles, especially with those who got sick. From our perspective, a combined team effort is a huge factor because, even with a 5-0 record, we’re still pushing to improve our performance in the next games,” said FEU deputy coach Rene Dulay, speaking for injured coach Eddieson Orcullo.
“What we do is constantly remind them that we will give everyone a chance to contribute as much as possible. It shouldn’t be a one-man show—the points should be well-distributed. We were able to execute that, which is why we won the game. Everyone delivered, and that’s why the team is getting better and continuing to improve.”
UE dropped to a 0-5 record, absorbing its 12th straight loss dating back to Season 86.
John Aligayon’s game-high effort of 13 points went for naught. Raquim Aceron tallied 11 points and 15 excellent receptions, while Roy Piojo added nine points.
