Right at the edge of the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference bubble, the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers lived to fight another day for a semis slot after vanquishing the San Beda College Red Spikers, 25-21, 25-20, 23-25, 25-22, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The España-based program scored their third win in six matches, making their final elimination round game against the CSB Blazers (0-5) on September 30 a must-win.
According to head coach Odjie Mamon, UST being in a do-or-die situation is going to do wonders for their development.
“We’re still a young team so maganda na makita ngayon pa lang kung paano sila mag-respond sa mga ganitong sitwasyon na kailangan namin manalo,” said Mamon.
“May mga bagay na hindi pa namin na-e-execute. We’re still going through the process of trying to get better overall,” the UST lifer admitted.
Transferee Joshua Umandal tallied 17 points off 13 attacks, two blocks, and two aces. Middle hitter Ty Carodan added 14 points, on 14-for-16 hitting.
Opposite hitter Mark Enciso topped San Beda with 14 points, while former UST Tiger Spiker Jomaru Amagan managed nine.
San Beda, with a 2-4 slate, still have a chance to make the Final Four if the teams on top of the standings keep losing. They also need a win against semifinalists Far Eastern University (5-1) on October 2.
The Scores
UST (3) – Umandal 17, Bautista 16, Carodan 14, Medina 9, Sumagaysay 9, Tajanlangit 5, Buro 3, Corda 1, Casillan 0, Millado 0, Sawal (L)
SBC (1) – Enciso 14, Amagan 9, Zabalan 9, Patenio 5, Torres 4, Santos 3, Desuyo 1, Gonzales 1, Manliclic 0, Viray 0, Casin (L)
