University of Santo Tomas completed a first-round sweep of the UAAP Season 89 High School Boys’ Volleyball tournament, outlasting Far Eastern University–Diliman in a five-set thriller, 25–18, 22–25, 27–25, 21–25, 17–15, on Tuesday at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center.
Facing match point in the deciding set after surrendering a 2–1 lead, the Junior Golden Spikers mounted a comeback with their defense holding firm and captain Karl Escobal delivering crucial kills.
Ahmad Korooshavi and Sam Hopkins brought the Baby Tamaraws within a point of completing their comeback, but Von Padrones sent his serve into the net to extend the match.
The teams then traded points before UST’s defensive pressure forced FEU-Diliman into back-to-back errors, the second coming when Kenneth Maliwanag sent an unblocked attack out of bounds.
“Happy kasi buti gumana kami ngayon. At first, maganda nung start, kahit noong bandang huli, nag-ingat na. At least nakuha pa rin namin dahil sa depensang pinakita nila,” said long-time head coach Aying Esteban.
Escobal exploded for a match-high 29 points to lead the unbeaten Junior Golden Spikers to a 7–0 record. He tallied 26 spikes, one block, and two aces while adding 10 digs and 32 excellent receptions.
Markus Julian chipped in 14 points, including 11 spikes, while Kian Gabriel contributed eight markers, three of which came from timely kill blocks. Bernard Capuno also scored eight points and delivered 20 positive receptions.
With the first round behind them, Esteban challenged his wards to raise their level of play in the second round.
“Kung maaari mas precise, mas intense, mas mataas ang percentage, less errors. Siguro, doon mas mananalo pa kami,” added the seasoned mentor.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Maliwanag led FEU-Diliman with 27 points on 24 attacks, two blocks, and the team’s lone service ace. Korooshavi added 17 attacks, while Hopkins finished with 10 points on eight spikes and two blocks.
The Baby Tamaraws ended the opening round in second place with a 6–1 win-loss record.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Earlier, University of the East asserted its mastery of National University Nazareth School, claiming a four-set victory, 26–28, 25–23, 25–22, 25–17, in a rematch of last season’s Finals.
The defending champions recovered from a first-set meltdown to claim solo third place with a 5–2 record, with captain Mharl Dullete orchestrating the offense through 26 excellent sets while adding five points.
Although UE recorded only four service aces, its serving pressure disrupted NU Nazareth’s reception. The Red Warriors, meanwhile, capitalized on their own solid reception to give Dullete more offensive options, allowing him to occasionally orchestrate combination plays.
“Sabi ko nga sa ‘yo, kailangan naming maging consistent sa serving at receiving, kasi ‘pag wala, wala kaming play. Ito nga sinasabi ko sa kanila, na kahit anong nangyari, itulak nila sarili nilang makakuha ng magandang receive,” said first-year head coach Arnaldo Dino.
Steven David paced the defending champions with 16 points on 13 attacks and three blocks after coming off the bench, while Jack Parde added 11 points, all from spikes.
Robrie Cordero embodied Dino’s emphasis on defense, finishing with 18 digs and 20 excellent receptions for the Red Warriors.
In the other matches, Adamson University and University of the Philippines Integrated School strengthened their holds on fifth and sixth place, respectively, with victories over De La Salle Santiago Zobel School and Ateneo de Manila University.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Johnlee Macam delivered a solid two-way performance as the Baby Falcons swept the Junior Spikers, 25–22, 25–22, 25–19, to improve to 3–4.
The outside hitter tallied 11 spikes and one service ace while making his presence felt on defense with four timely kill blocks, six digs, and six excellent receptions. Lance Babon also delivered a strong all-around performance with 16 points, five digs, and five positive receptions.
“Siguro ang goal namin is trabaho pa rin sa second round. And ‘yung mga nakatalo sa ‘min, dapat makabawi kami, and ‘yung mga natalo namin, ‘di dapat pabawiin. So, ‘yung ensayo, dodoblehin pa namin para ma-meet namin gusto namin pagdating ng second round,” said long-time mentor Marvin Ramoso.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Meanwhile, Marco Bamba rediscovered his scoring touch to steer the Fighting Maroons to a 25–22, 25–18, 25–19 sweep of the Blue Eagles for their second win of the season.
The UP captain finished with 14 points on 12 attacks and two service aces, alongside nine digs and five excellent receptions. Justin Jusayan and Prince Jimenez added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
