The University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers stopped their freefall down the UAAP Season 80 Men’s Volleyball standings, throttling the hapless University of the East Red Warriors late, 22-25, 27-25, 25-8, 25-9, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
After a sluggish effort in the first and barely getting out of the second frame with the lead, the Tiger Spikers played their best two sets of the season to clinch the win.
UST took a 16-4 lead in the second set then annihlated UE in the fourth, grabbing a 17-7 advantage.
According to UST head coach Odjie Mamon, ending the losing streak was a big relief for his struggling team.
“It’s good na tapos na ‘yung mga sunod-sunod na talo kasi alam naming we can be better than sa pinapakita namin. Per marami pa kaming kailangang ayusin, especially with our mentality,” said Mamon.
Arnold Bautisa led the Tiger Spikers with 15 points while former UE Red Warrior Joshua Umandal added 14 markers.
Geric Ortega topped the Red Warriors with 12 points, but was the only one on his team who hit double-digits.
Both squads take on the La Salle Green Spikers (3-6) next. UST (4-6) takes them on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum while UE (0-9) faces thr Green Spikers on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
UST (3) – Bautista 15, Umandal 14, Sumagaysay 12, Medina 10, Carodan 9, Buro 5, Arbasto 4, Tajanlangit 3, Icalina 2, Corda 1, Casillan 0, Sawal (L
UE (1) – Ortega 12, Aljas 9, Inoferio 8, Adriano 7, Patacsil 2, Imperial 1, Balquierda 0, Benitez (L)