Dishing out a season-high 25 points, transferee Joshua Umandal lifted the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers past the College of Saint Benilde Blazers, 25-14, 25-10, 23-25, 25-20, and to the Premier Volleyball League Collegiate Conference semis at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
UST finished the elimination round with a 4-3 record, just good enough for a top four spot. They await the results of the final day of eliminations on Monday for their seeding.
The former University of the East Red Warrior, Umadal was pivotal to crushing the Taft-based spikers, as he also scored crucial points down the stretch of a tight fourth set.
“Of course, we’re very happy with Joshua. Alam niya what he can contribute offensively para sa amin. Ini-improve pa namin sa kanya ‘yung consistency,” said UST head coach Odjie Mamon about his prized recruit.
Mamon also lauded his team for making the Final Four.
“Ang goal namin this tournament is mag-improve talaga every game. We really wanted to make the Final Four, pero alam namin na marami pa kaming kailangan ayusin for the long term,” added Mamon.
Middle blocker Jayvee Sumagaysay pitched in 11 points, while Arnold Bautista and Ty Carodan added 10 points apiece for the Tigers. The España-based program got their biggest boost from their serving, tallying eight to CSB’s zero.
Skipper Isaiah Arda led the Blazers with nine markers.
CSB round out their PVL campaign, and will try to get their only win on Monday against a National University (3-3) side that is fighting for the Final Four.
The Scores
UST (3) – Umandal 25, Sumagaysay 11, Bautista 10, Carodan 10, Medina 7, Tajanlangit 1, Casillan 0, Sawal (L)
CSB (1) – Arda 9, Bacani 7, Basilan 6, Abrot 5, Orian 3, Bautista 0, San Miguel 0, Dy (L)
