The University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers shut the door on their UAAP Season 81 Men’s Volleyball tournament campaign with redemption against the University of the East Red Warriors, the school that sent them into an irredeemable spiral.
After a season mired by injuries and errors, UST earned a four-set win over the Red Warriors, 25-19, 25-15, 19-25, 25-23, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
UST ended their season with a 5-9 record, tied with La Salle at fifth. Their first-round loss to UE was their first defeat against the Red Warriors in the Final Four era; it began a three-game losing streak that dampened their Final Four hopes.
“Minalas talaga this season. It just goes to show that we still have a lot to work on and a lot of room to grow,” said UST head coach Odjie Mamon.
Manuel Medina led UST with 14 points.
Playing out their final UAAP match, middle blocker Jayvee Sumagaysay had 12 points; Timothy Tajanlangit tallied 15 excellent sets and two points; and Jireh Buro hopped off the bench for several rotations.
Jeric Ortega and Kim Adriano starred for UE in their final UAAP outings, piling up 11 and nine points, apiece.
Clifford Inoferio, Noel Alba, and Adrian Imperial also played their last UAAP game.
UE finished with a 2-12 record, good for seventh place.
The Scores
UST (3) – Medina 14, Requinton 13, Corda 12, Sumagaysay 12, Umandal 10, Tajanlangit 2, Casillan 1, Buro 0, Valenzuela 0, Mendiolla (L), Sawal (L)
UE (1) – Ortega 11, Adriano 9, Josafat 9, Alba 5, Bonoan 5, Abalon 4 Inoferio 3, Imperial 0, Reyes 0, Medina (L), Solis (L)
