By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
University of Santo Tomas extended its unbeaten run to three games after stunning defending champion National University-Nazareth School in four sets, 16-25, 25-22, 25-15, 25-23, in the UAAP Season 87 High School Boys’ Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Despite taking the solo lead early on in the tournament, Junior Golden Spikers head coach Clarence Esteban emphasized the need for further improvement within the Junior Golden Spikers.
“So far kasi ‘yun pa rin, ‘yung system na gusto namin ma-instill. Pero kahit papano kanina, nakita namin ‘yung adjustment ng mga bata na kung paano namin aatakihin ‘yung bola,” Esteban explained.
UST’s path to victory was hard-fought.
After trailing by a point late in the fourth set, the Junior Golden Spikers leveled the score at 23-all thanks to a crucial block from Paolo Medino.
Gherick Luston then delivered a service ace, bringing UST to match point. Finally, Rainier Lorayes sealed the win with a powerful down-the-line attack, securing their third straight win.
“Medyo ang inaano ko lang dito is ‘yung maging resilient ba. ‘Pag bumababa na kami, kailangan maka-recover. Sana ma-overcome namin ‘yung mga ganun na error, ‘yung mga pangyayari sa amin sa loob ng court,” added Esteban after the match that lasted for an hour and 46 minutes.
In orchestrating UST’s offense, Jefferson Abalos shone with 13 excellent sets.
UST was led by John Paul Bautista and Season 86 MVP Jancriz Ayco, who each contributed 13 points, including 11 kills.
Libero Kalel Legaspi also made his presence felt with 15 excellent digs.
On the opposing side, Miguel Egger led the Bullpups with 13 points from eight kills and five blocks.
Despite Egger’s efforts, NUNS fell to a 2-1 record, placing them in a four-way tie for second with Adamson, De La Salle-Zobel, and University of the East.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In the other match, Far Eastern University-Diliman earned its first win in three tries with a commanding straight-set victory over University of the Philippines Integrated School, 25-8, 25-12, 25-8.
The Baby Tamaraws were led by Zedrick Calimlim, who scored 11 points, including six attacks, four service aces, and a block in the game that lasted for 48 minutes.
Kenneth Maliwanag also contributed nine points, including four aces, as FEU-D improved to 1-2, moving up to sixth place in the standings.
UPIS remained winless at 0-3.
