University of Santo Tomas widened the gap at the fourth spot with a 25-13, 25-22, 25-21 straight-sets victory over University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
This third consecutive victory by the Golden Spikers brought them to 7-4, 1.5 games ahead of their closest pursuer, Ateneo de Manila University (5-5), which is currently playing against National University.
“Yung nangyayari sa team namin medyo nakukuha na namin yung rhythm kasi yun yung naging problema namin nung first round. This time, napag-aralan na namin yun during the break so na-focus namin yung communication with each other,” said UST deputy coach Ben Mape.
Gboy De Vega provided the clutch hits in the second set, while second-stringers Trevor Valera and Kenneth Salvador contributed in the third set for the Golden Spikers’ win in one hour and 21 minutes.
UST will now set its sights on the league-leading Far Eastern University, whom they will face on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“Hindi namin ini-aim na bumawi. Ang ini-aim namin ay iperform ng mga bata yung best performance na meron sila kasi kailangan mapapunta kami sa position na makakapunta kami sa semis,” said Mape, recalling their heartbreaking five-set loss to FEU in the first round.
Josh Ybañez once again led UST with 23 points on 21 attacks and two aces, along with 10 excellent receptions and five digs.
De Vega supported the reigning MVP with 13 points and 11 receptions as the Golden Spikers limited their errors to just 17, a rare occurrence for the error-prone squad.
The Fighting Maroons absorbed their 15th consecutive loss dating back to last season, dropping to 0-11 in this tournament.
Angelo Lagando paced the losing team with 12 points, while Jaivee Malabanan had 10 points, nine receptions, and four digs.
UP will attempt to secure their first win on Saturday against Adamson University, who currently stands at 4-6.
