ALCHE Gupiteo and JJ Macam took center stage as University of Santo Tomas staged a gutsy comeback to complete a straight-sets sweep of Adamson University, 25-18, 25-15, 25-23, in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament, Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
With the Golden Spikers staring at a five-point deficit in the third set, Gupiteo and Macam spearheaded a furious rally, combining for seven points in UST’s closing 12-5 run that flipped the script and secured their third straight victory.
The Golden Spikers found themselves at a 13-18 disadvantage in the third frame but persevered through newcomers Gupiteo and Macam.
In the 12-5 closer of UST, Macam scored four points, while Gupiteo added three. Trevor Valera also contributed in the run that allowed his team to improve to 3-1 after falling in its first game of the season against Far Eastern University.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Nagkaroon ng maturity ‘yung mga bata pagdating sa mga pressure games, sa end game medyo mas naging consistent ‘yung move nila and ‘yung presence of mind,” said UST deputy coach Ben Mape.
“Nagtiwala lang po kami sa isa’t isa at naging mature kami sa loob ng court. Factor din po na naglaro kami nang masaya kasi nung third set po, malungkot ‘yung umpisa. Kumbaga ‘yung happiness po namin ang nag-push sa amin sa victory,” said Gupiteo, who delivered a career-best 13 points on eight spikes and five blocks.
Tied at 17 in the opener, Popoy Colinares, Gupiteo, and Macam rallied the Golden Spikers to an 8-1 finishing kick, 25-18. That momentum translated into the second set as UST, through Macam and Polinares, opened up a 16-5 separation en route to the 25-15 frame to move on the verge of a sweep.
Macam also ended up with 13 points on a spread-out eight attacks, three aces, and two blocks to go with seven receptions and four digs.
Jay Rack Dela Noche and Colinares also chipped in 11 and 10 points apiece as the Golden Spikers atoned for their 27 errors with a huge gap in the spiking department, 39-20.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
UST seeks a fourth consecutive victory on Wednesday when it takes on the University of the Philippines at the same Pasay venue.
Marc Paulino and Jude Aguilar had seven points each as the Soaring Falcons dropped to 1-3 at seventh place. Adamson’s next game will be next Saturday against FEU, also at MOA Arena.
