University of Sto. Tomas snapped its three-game skid after keeping University of the Philippines winless, 25-23, 25-14, 25-16, in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball Tournament, Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Golden Spikers, who won their first two matches before losing to De La Salle University, Far Eastern University, and Ateneo de Manila University, respectively, improved their record to 3-3 after the skid-busting victory.
“Salamat sa mga players kasi we went back to our drawing board para dun sa three-game losing streak namin, para ma-pinpoint at mapag-aralan mabuti kung paano kami magre-recover. I’m glad na yung mga bata nagbigay ng part nila during this game,” said UST assistant coach Benjamin Mape.
After a slow start in the opener, the Golden Spikers took it up a notch in the next two frames and dominated the Fighting Maroons with Josh Ybañez leading the way with a game-high 21 points on 18 attacks, two blocks, and one ace.
Ybanez, who hurt his left ankle after landing on a teammate’s foot late in the second set but managed to return to the game, also had 11 excellent receptions and six excellent digs in the one-hour, seven-minute contest.
UST slowly pulled away in the third set before Dux Yambao stepped on the gas pedal and led a 7-2 run that stretched a 17-13 lead to a 24-15 advantage. Ybañez committed a service error before Trevor Valera finished the game with a quick.
Rainier Flor added 11 points on nine attacks and two blocks while Gboy De Vega and Sherwin Umandal chipped in eight markers apiece for the Golden Spikers.
Yambao tossed 16 excellent sets, to go along with five points, while Van Prudenciano registered 11 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions.
UST takes on Adamson University on Saturday, 12:00 p.m to close out its first round campaign at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
On the other hand, Louis Gamban paced UP with 13 points while Angelo Lipata and Jessie Rubin added eight and seven points, respectively, in the Fighting Maroons’ sixth loss in as many games.
UP looks to end the first round with a win against University of the East on Sunday, also at 12:00 p.m. and also at the Big Dome.
