With errors almost costing them another match, the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers still had too much firepower for the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons to handle in the end of a tight four-setter, 26-24, 25-27, 25-23, 25-13, in the UAAP Season 81 Men’s Volleyball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
UST battled through three tight sets with UP, with the second frame swinging UP’s way after late Tiger Spikers miscues allowed UP to make a run. The España-based squad gave away most of their 38 errors within the three-set span.
“It’s something that we’re definitely working on,” said UST head coach Odjie Mamon on his team’s errors. The Tiger Spikers have been heavy-handed with giveaways through their first three outings.
“It has something to do with sa chemistry ng players and how they react sa ginagawa ng players. I know na we can be better next time,” the UST lifer continued.
The Tiger Spikers were dominant in the fourth frame as Manuel Medina and Joshua Umandal found their stride and propelled UST to a 16-7 lead.
Medina finished with 19 points while Umandal and Jayvee Sumagaysay each added 16 to top five Tiger Spikers in double-digits.
Opposite hitter Mark Millete led the Maroons with 17 points while Jerry San Pedro added 13. The Maroons only had 25 errors.
Both teams play their next match on March 2 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. UST (2-1) takes on Far Eastern University (2-0) while UP (0-3) faces De La Salle University (0-3).
The Scores
UST (3) – Medina 19, Sumagaysay 16, Umandal 16, Corda 10, Tajanlangit 2, Buro 1, Casillan 0, Del Rosario 0, Mediolla (L), Sawal (L)
UP (1) – Millete 17, San Pedro 13, Consuelo 7, San Pascual 6, Liiran 5, Baldelovar 1, Enteria 0, Ilao 0, Yan 0, Nasol (L)
