The intensity was high during the do-or-die match between number one Far Eastern University and fourth-ranked University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday.
After all, the arena was full of yellow as the Tamaraws and the Golden Spikers collided for a place in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball Finals.
But it reached a fever pitch late in the third set when UST’s Gboy De Vega hit the ball out off FEU’s Benny Martinez for a 25-24 lead.
He then followed it up with another off-the-block kill for a 2-1 set advantage.
When they landed, the former celebrated and nodded in front of the latter, to which Martinez responded by nodding and smiling as well.
FAMILIAR pic.twitter.com/gNj0TXHhQm
— ۟ (@phvbvids) May 8, 2024
The Golden Spikers eventually defeated the Tamaraws in four sets, 25-18, 21-25, 26-24, 26-24 – becoming the first fourth seed in the Final Four era to advance to the Finals.
(C) Nicks Hernandez/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
“Benny Martinez was once my teammate. We were teammates nung FEU days ko I was like Grade 8. There’s nothing personal about it, wala namang personalan,” shared De Vega after the match.
“Ganon talaga sa loob eh, pero paglabas naman magkaibigan. He’s like a brother to me. Sobrang tagal naming magkasama noon ni Benny.”
De Vega was a crucial part of UST’s victory, delivering 18 points on 16 attacks, one block, and one ace, along with 13 excellent receptions.
It was a balanced Golden Spikers attack as well. Josh Ybañez had 19 points, while Sherwin Umandal and Popoy Colinares also contributed 16 and 12 points, respectively.
Now, UST gets another crack at National University in the Finals after being swept last year.
The Golden Spikers are looking to rewrite the ending this time in their favor as they swept the Bulldogs in their two elimination round games.
“Mag-ensayo lang kasi yun naman talaga ang sikreto doon, at siyempre disiplina sa sarili. Kasi kahit anong sabihin ng coaches, kung wala kang disiplina, wala kang magagawa,” said De Vega on their preparation against NU.
