The young University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers earned the last Spikers’ Turf semifinals seat, sweeping the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals 25-20, 25-12, 29-27 at the PhilSports Arena.
UST’s Ty Carodan led all scorers with 15 points while sophomore open hitter Jomaru Amagan added nine points.
After not making the UAAP Final Four and settling for seventh place, the Tigers entered the Spikers’ Turf semis along with Group B leader Ateneo De Manila University and De La Salle University and National University out of Group A.
“Ang target talaga namin sa tournament is to make the semis. Maging sign siguro ‘to para sa amin pero marami pang kailangan ayusin sa team and we need more maturity pa ‘rin,” said UST head coach Odjie Mamon.
A year removed from their Final Four run, UST is looking for a leader among their young group.
“Siyempre, I want someone to step up and take the responsibility of leading the team on and off the court,” Mamon added. “Sa ngayon, may potential ‘yung ibang players, hopefully we can get more out of them.”
The Generals finished their run without a win after making the semis last season.
The new-look San Marcelino spikers leaned on Israel Encina who delivered 12 points while Kerth Melliza and Joshua Mina had six markers.
The Scores
UST (3) – Carodan 15, Amagan 9, Buro 6, Medina 6, Umandal 6, Bautista 3, Icalina 2, Jose 2, Francisco 0, Millado 0, Samonte 0, Sawal (L)
EAC (0) – Encina 12, Melliza 6, Mina 6, Rasing 3, Mangaring 2, Castellano 1, Lim 1, Gerella 0, Gorospe 0, Item 0, Ilano 0, Magadan (L)
