RODRIGUEZ, RIZAL – In a clash between also-ran squads, University of Santo Tomas–Gameville kept its bronze-medal hopes alive after sweeping ProVolley Academy, 25-16, 25-21, 25-16, in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Tuesday at the Ynares Center Montalban here.
Already out of championship contention, the Golden Spikers snapped a three-match skid to open the round-robin semifinals, staying in the hunt for a podium finish while eliminating the Australian side from the race for third.
Gboy Dela Vega turned in a stellar all-around performance with 17 points — all from attacks. He also had 17 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs to power UST-Gameville to its first win in the semis of the tournament organized by Sports Vision and supported by Alpha Insurance, Premier EMS, Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things, ArenaPlus, and Black Mamba.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Learning process pa rin kasi kailangan ma-form namin ‘yung mga bata para sa UAAP. So itong mga last game namin for Criss Cross, kailangan makuha ng mga bata ‘yung confidence nila towards the game,” said UST-Gameville assistant coach Benjamin Mape.
UST-Gameville’s offense clicked throughout the match, firing 52 attacks behind the steady playmaking of Joshua Avila, who tallied 19 excellent sets.
In contrast, ProVolley Academy managed only 27 attacks in the one-hour, 13-minute encounter.
John Catinsag added nine points built on five attacks, three blocks, and an ace, while Kenneth Salvador chipped in eight.
The victory kept UST-Gameville momentarily alive in the race for the bronze-medal match, although a Criss Cross win over Savouge later in the day would officially end its bid.
The Golden Spikers will battle Criss Cross on Thursday at 1:00 PM at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Team captain Samuel Hansen and Isaac Relova led ProVolley Academy with 10 points each as the Australians absorbed their fourth straight loss.
Jude Amper finished with five points, 10 excellent receptions, and five excellent digs in the defeat.
ProVolley Academy looks to close its campaign on a positive note when it faces defending champion Cignal on Thursday at 3:00 PM.
Games air live on One Sports and One Sports+, with video-on-demand available on the Pilipinas Live app. Matches are also streamed on spikersturf.ph.
