The University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers almost fell prey to an early upset, but recovered just in time to outlast the De La Salle University Green Spikers, 25-21, 25-16, 15-25, 25-23, 16-14, on opening day of the UAAP Men’s Volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
After cruising in the first two sets, UST floundered in the following frames and were dragged into a decider. According to longtime UST head coach Odjie Mamon, his wards became lax in the third set and struggled to get back to their normal pace.
“Naging complacent noong third set, nahirapan kami maka-recover. It’s a mentality na we’re still working on with everyone on the team, kahit ‘yung seniors,” lamented Mamon.
The Tiger Spikers got off to an early 12-9 lead in the fifth set, thanks to solid plays in transition. But La Salle crawled back, grabbing points off UST’s crucial miscues down the stretch. Locked in a deuce, UST pulled a crucial hit from Joshua Umandal to gain advantage. La Salle then threw away the last point as Cris Dumago struggled to put away a high set.
“This is a good win for us kasi nga five sets always build character. Sana lang manalo kami next time ng straight sets, sayang ‘yung points,” Mamon quipped.
Former UE Junior Warrior Joshua Umandal towed the Tiger Spikers in his debut with 21 points off 20 spikes and an ace. Veterans Arnold Bautista and Jayvee Sumagaysay added 15 points, apiece.
Arjay Onia led the Green Spikers with 20 points. Graduating winger Raymark Woo added 15 markers.
The Tiger Spikers look to keep their streak going on Wednesday when they face the University of the East at the FilOil Flying V Centre. The Green Spikers will try to recover against the University of the Philippines on Saturday.
The Scores
UST (3) – Umandal 21, Bautista 15, Sumagaysay 15, Carodan 11, Umandal 10, Tajanlangit 1, Arbasto 0, Casillan 0, Sawal (L)
DLSU (2) – Onia 20, Woo 15, Dumago 11, Marco 8, Delos Reyes 6, Reyes 5, Asia 0, Dimayuga 0, Frey 0, Hendriato 0, Maravilla 0, Movido (L)
