Despite letting big leads and errors slip, the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers pulled themselves together at the crucial moments to escape rivals De La Salle University Green Spikers in five thrilling sets 25-19, 22-25, 25-22, 25-18, 15-12 for their first win of the season at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City
Two years into their rebuilding, UST still showed signs of their youth evident in their 43 errors, most of which came off serves. The Tigers also could have closed out several sets after building big gaps only to let the Green Spikers crawl back into contention.
UST almost floundered in the decider, allowing the Green Spikers to erase their 8-2 advantage and force a 10-all deadlock. With the set again tied at 12, UST’s came through with ballsy plays in transition.
First year spiker Jerico Jose delivered UST’s 13th point off a hit-out. The Tigers then whipped out huge blocks in the final two plays courtesy of Arnold Bautista and Ty Carodan to seal the match.
“Sa leadership, may mga players naman na nag-i-step up. But of course, we’re still looking for more out of them. Ang dami naming binigay na puntos,” lamented UST head coach Odjie Mamon.
Jose led five Tigers who tallied double-digit scoring outputs with 18 while his fellow open hitter Manuel Medina added 17.
The Tigers (1-1) next face the struggling UE Warriors (0-2) on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
“Wala nang sure win ngayon sa liga. Almost everyone has strong players kaya hindi kami pwedeng maging complacent,” said Mamon adding that they took a step closer to one of their primary goals.
“Our goal for this year is to get eight wins. We also want to place higher than La Salle para sa General Championship.”
Arjay Onia toppes La Salle with 16 markers while opposite hitter Cris Dumago managed 14.
The Green Spikers (0-2) face the streaking UP Maroons (2-0) also Wednesday.
The Scores
UST (3) – Jose 18, Medina 17, Bautista 11, Carodan 10, Sumagaysay 10, Tajanlangit 3, Buro 1, Icalina 1, Pangan 0, Francisco (L)
DLSU (2) – Onia 16, Dumago 14, Woo 11, Jose 10, Del Pilar 5, Bacon 2, Asia G. 1, Asia R. 1, Marco 0, Macaspac (L), Movido (L)
