The UST Tiger Spikers swept the UE Red Warriors, 25-18, 25-22, 25-21 to notch their first win during the last game of the Season 77 opening weekend held at San Juan Arena.
The Tigers rushed to a 13-6 start that dictated their pace and got their momentum going. Mark Alfafara did most of the damage offensively for the Tigers. The UE Red Warriors tried to counter with most of their attacks coming from the back row. There were several lead changes during the second set, but UST managed to pull a 5-1 late set rally to win and enter the third set up 2-0.
UST Team Captain Romnick Rico made his presence felt during the third set by scoring majority of his points to put UE at bay. UE’s mini-rallies were answered by the Tigers’ good floor defense anchored by their Libero, Mark Pangan.
UST’s spikers attacked more, 38-26 and blocked two more shots, 8-6 compared to their opponents.
UST’s next assignment will be against the ADMU Blue Eagles, 8am on Nov. 29, Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. On the other hand, the Red Warriors’ second match will be versus the FEU Tamaraws on Nov. 30, Sunday at the San Juan Arena at 10am.
The scores:
UST- Alfafara 21, Rico 13, Sarabia 8, Bautista 2, Tajanlangit 2, Balse 1, Castillo 1, Arbasto 0, Guzman 0, Buro 0, Lopez 0, Francisco 0, Dela Cruz 0, Pangan (L) 0
UE- Campusano 17, Magdaong 4, Mandani 4, Adviento 3, Molina 3, Alba 2, Saguin 2, Lelic 0, Inoferio 0, Aljas 0, Christian 0, Caluya 0, Pron (L) 0, Almario (L) 0
