University of Santo Tomas avenged last year’s Finals loss to De La Salle University, claiming Game 1 of the best-of-three semifinals in the 2024 V-League Collegiate Challenge Men’s Division, 22-25, 25-23, 25-15, 25-16, on Wednesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Riding the momentum of a commanding third-set win, the Golden Spikers moved one victory away from dethroning the Green Spikers and securing a spot in the Finals.
Assistant coach Benjamin Mape emphasized the importance of sticking to their system after a shaky first set marred by errors.
“Yung tiwala (sa isa’t isa), ‘yan talaga dapat matutunan ng mga bata. Kasi hindi naman mananalo ang isang team na mag-isa lang eh, dapat team effort,” said Mape, the long-time deputy of head coach Odjie Mamon.
Mamon, along with reigning back-to-back UAAP MVP Josh Ybañez, is currently in Italy for the Alas Pilipinas men’s training camp. However, with Mamon’s system in place, the Golden Spikers relied on their core strengths to clinch the victory.
“Importante ‘yung kumpiyansa. Kung ando’n ‘yung kumpiyansa, lahat ng pinaghirapan sa training, lalabas ‘yan,” Mape added.
UST now looks to build on this confidence in Game 2 on Sunday against De La Salle at 3:00 PM in the same Pasig venue.
Trevor Valera played a key role in the Golden Spikers’ resurgence, using his serve as a weapon to help UST gain a commanding 16-7 lead by the final technical timeout of the fourth set.
The comeback truly began in the second frame, as Valera sparked the rally with two aces, helping UST overturn a deficit and claim the set.
In the third set, UST displayed a strong net presence and sharp transition play, forcing De La Salle into several attack errors. Despite brief flashes of life from MJ Fortuna, who was subbed in for the frame, the Golden Spikers maintained control.
Valera finished with nine points for UST, contributing three spikes, three blocks, and three crucial aces – two in the second set and one more in the third.
GBoy De Vega led the team with 17 points, 16 of which came from attacks, along with six digs and 15 excellent receptions. Paul Colinares added 14 points from 10 spikes and four blocks.
Chris Hernandez led the Green Spikers with 17 points from 16 spikes and one ace, while Eugene Gloria chipped in 11 markers.
