UST Tiger Spikers end three-game slide, outlast UP

After weeks of struggle, the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers ended their three-game skid, overwhelming the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 25-17, 18-25, 25-20, 25-15, in the UAAP Season 81 Men’s Volleyball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

After giving up an average of 38 errors in their losing streak, UST cut their miscues down to 28 against UP. The Tiger Spikers also fueled their offense with a stellar 42-for-70 reception clip.

“For us to still reach our goal, hindi namin afford matalo kanina,” said UST head coach Odjie Mamon.

“Medyo nag-struggle ‘yung team, nawala sa rhythm dahil sa injuries. Pero they know na kaya pa. Kailangan lang namin mag-execute down the stretch sa mga susunod naming matches,” the UST lifer added.

Veteran winger Joshua Umandal and rookie Jaron Requinton led the Tiger Spikers with 20 points apiece. Captain Manuel Medina added 15 markers.

Jerry San Pedro toppes the Fighting Maroons, scoring 14 points off 12 attacks and two blocks. Nico Consuelo managed 13 markers.

UST (4-6) take on Adamson University (6-4), while UP (1-9) face the Ateneo De Manila University (6-4) on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Scores

UST (3) – Requinton 20, Umandal 20, Medina 15, Sumagaysay 13, Tajanlangit 2, Buro 0, Casillan 0, Valenzuela 0, Mendiolla (L), Sawal (L)

UP (1) – San Pedro 14, Consuelo 13, Millete 12, San Pascual 6, Ijiran 4, Castillo 0, Enteria 0, Fortes 0, Yan 0, Nasol (L)