University of Santo Tomas rallied from a seven-point deficit in the fourth set to shock defending champion National University, 30-28, 25-18, 22-25, 25-23, and force a playoff for the second seed and the last twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament, Wednesday afternoon at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The win allowed the Golden Spikers to finish the eliminations tied with the Bulldogs for second place with identical 10-4 win-loss records, setting up a playoff for the final postseason incentive and a virtual best-of-three series beginning this Saturday, April 25.
Beyond the morale-boosting victory, UST will enter the playoff carrying significant momentum after closing the eliminations on a four-game winning streak, while NU dropped its last two matches in the elimination round.
The loss also marked the first time in 10 years that the Bulldogs suffered back-to-back elimination round defeats, last doing so in Season 78 (2016), when NU ended the first round with consecutive losses to Ateneo de Manila University and Far Eastern University.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Two things lang yung ginawa ko. Yung una, is to introduce fresh legs, and yung pangalawa, rinemind ko sila na huwag nila i-pressure sarili nila. Fourth set ‘yon, we were up by two sets, bakit sila nape-pressure? I think ‘yon yung main point ng fourth set,” Golden Spikers head coach Odjie Mamon said.
After taking the third set, NU appeared poised to extend the match to a fifth set as the Bulldogs built an early seven-point 13-6 advantage behind crucial hits from Choi Diao and Buds Buddin.
However, UST found timely relief from off-the-bench sparkplug Sherwin Umandal, who scored five of his nine points during a dominant 10-2 run, capped by a cut shot and a down-the-line hit from Umandal himself, giving the Golden Spikers a slim 16-15 lead.
A service error by Josh Ybañez cut NU’s deficit to 21-20, but UST delivered in the clutch to send the Bulldogs to their second consecutive defeat.
Season 87 Rookie of the Year JJ Macam drilled a crosscourt hit, Umandal converted a through-the-block attack, while Ybañez sealed the win with an off-the-block hit to strengthen the Golden Spikers’ bid for the final postseason advantage.
“I always believe in [Sherwin] talaga ever since nung rookies pa kami at nung sophomore year namin… Nakikita ko talaga na nag-aantay lang siya ng time to prove people wrong na kaya niya. I am so happy nag-perform siya ng ganyan,” Ybañez said, who posted 27 points, 26 excellent receptions, and six excellent digs in the one-hour and 52-minute contest.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Valera continued his strong form with 17 points on 15 attacks, one block, and one ace, while rookie opposite spiker Joncriz Ayco added 10 points.
Umandal scored all nine of his points in the fourth frame, Gboy de Vega contributed eight points, 11 excellent receptions, and six excellent digs, while Vryvin Catinsag chipped in six points on five attacks and one block.
Team captain Dux Yambao dished out 31 excellent sets, while sophomore libero Edriel Alabar finished with 14 excellent receptions and 12 excellent digs.
On the other hand, Leo Ordiales led NU with 17 points and three excellent digs, while Congolese middle blocker Obed Mukaba followed with 16 points on eight blocks, seven attacks, and one ace.
Buddin finished with 15 points and 21 excellent receptions, while Disquitado added 10 points, 18 excellent receptions, and four excellent digs.
