After two successful seasons with the UST Tiger Sands, Alche Gupiteo is steadily integrating himself into the UST Golden Spikers.
Originally recruited for UST’s indoor volleyball team in 2021, Gupiteo transitioned to beach volleyball, where he found significant success.
In his debut season, the 6-foot-2 spiker led the Tiger Sands to their fifth consecutive UAAP men’s beach volleyball championship while earning the Most Valuable Player award.
He followed up that triumph with another dominant campaign last November, spearheading UST’s sixth straight title with an unbeaten run.
Now back on the indoor court, Gupiteo has been coming off the bench in UST’s first three games, gradually finding his rhythm.
Against De La Salle University on Wednesday, the Koronadal, South Cotabato native made the most of his minutes, delivering seven points on 6-of-10 attacks, one block, and five excellent receptions.
His contribution helped power UST to a commanding 25-21, 25-20, 25-16 sweep at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Naniniwala po kasi ako na nobody’s perfect. I think nasa five pa lang po [ang level ko] since galing beach volleyball po ako tapos I converted to indoor,” Gupiteo shared, rating his performance so far.
“Yung tiwala po kasi ng teammates ko at nila Coach Odjie, malaking bagay. Gina-grab ko lang po itong opportunity,” he added, explaining his decision to return to the indoor game.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
With reigning MVP Josh Ybañez sidelined for the past two games due to an ankle sprain, Gupiteo has been part of head coach Odjie Mamon’s deep rotation. Rookie JJ Macam, Gboy de Vega, Jay Rack Dela Noche, and Al-Bukharie Sali have also stepped up in Ybañez’s absence.
“This result speaks for itself. Bukod doon, yung preparation din namin. Maganda yung mood nila, hanggang ngayon na-extend nila yung good vibes,” Mamon said.
“Kapag may isang player na hindi maganda ang laro, may kapalit agad. Hindi na ako mag-aalis ng key player kasi everyone is a key player,” he added.
As the Golden Spikers set their sights on the championship, the two-time beach volleyball champion is eager to contribute to their journey.
“Very happy po. Parang nag-eexplode po yung heart ko sa happiness since nananalo na po kami after nung opening game na talo kami,” Gupiteo said.
