By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
University of Santo Tomas and National University-Nazareth School remained 1-2 in the UAAP Season 87 High School Boys’ Volleyball Tournament, overpowering De La Salle-Zobel and University of the Philippines-Integrated School, respectively, on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena in Manila.
The Junior Golden Spikers remained undefeated in five matches after a 59-minute rout of the Junior Green Spikers, 25-17, 25-15, 25-8.
Meanwhile, the Bullpups extended their winning streak to three games with a commanding 25-5, 25-11, 25-6 victory over the Junior Fighting Maroons.
UST head coach Clarence Esteban reflected on his team’s performance, stating, “Ginagawa naman nila ‘yung dapat gawin pero lagi kong ini-instill sa kanila na ‘yung pagiging dominant namin ngayon sa game namin is bonus na lang ‘yun. So kailangan pa rin namin mag-strive ng mas mataas na intensity ng training.
“Kailangan pa rin namin na hindi ganoon na magkumpiyansa sa sarili para makuha namin ‘yung gusto namin makuha,” he added.
The Junior Golden Spikers showcased their best start of the match in the third set, surging to an early 10-1 lead and maintaining full control throughout.
Joncriz Ayco sealed the victory with consecutive attacks, bringing the Junior Golden Spikers to match point and securing a dominant win.
Rainier Lorayes emerged as UST’s leading scorer, showcasing his offensive prowess with 13 points, including 10 kills, two blocks, and an ace.
Ayco contributed 10 points, while Gherick Luston added nine.
Esteban further praised the Junior Golden Spikers’ chemistry, explaining, “Maganda ‘yung pinapakita nila kasi sila naman halos nasa isang dorm lang. So ‘yung chemistry nila, parang halos magkakasama na talagang they enjoy playing the game.
“Kahit sinong gamitin namin sa loob ng court, ‘yung adjustment nandun agad na nakikita agad kung ano man ‘yung gagawin so doon natin nakikita ‘yung consistency na maganda talaga ‘yung samahan nila sa loob ng court,” he added.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In the match between NUNS and UPIS, Matthew Abut led the scoring with an impressive 11 points, which included seven service aces, three attacks, and one block – all achieved in the first and final sets.
Miguel Egger supported the effort with 10 points, while Irilis Kasim and Xandrex Ragusta contributed nine points each.
This victory elevated NUNS to a 5-1 record.
Alex Baligod and Jake Sandrino were the top scorers for the Junior Green Spikers, both netting five points with four attacks.
The Junior Green Spikers fell to 2-3, tying the Baby Tamaraws for fifth place after suffering back-to-back losses.
Conversely, the Junior Fighting Maroons fell to 0-5, leaving them tied with the Blue Eagles at the bottom of the standings.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
In the lone girls’ match of the day, DLSZ ended its two-game losing streak by triumphing over UPIS, 25-19, 25-19, 25-17, in a match that lasted an hour and 11 minutes.
Aislinn Alemaña shone for the Junior Lady Spikers, finishing as the top scorer with 10 points, including nine kills.
Kylie Celada added seven points, while Sabine Valdez and Azalia Arado chipped in with six points apiece.
On the other side, Niña Abad paced the Junior Fighting Maroons in their loss with nine points, consisting of seven attacks and two aces.
DLSZ now stands at 2-3, remaining in fifth place, while UPIS slid to 1-5, holding the sixth position in the standings.
