After stumbling in their first two matches, the University of Santo Tomas Tigers finally took their first win of the UAAP Men’s Volleyball tournament, drubbing the hapless University of the East Warriors 25-21, 26-24, 25-18 at the FilOil Flying V Centre earlier today.
Going with a different set of starters, the Tigers wasted no time lashing out at the Warriors. UST led the first set right from thr first point and never looked back.
Opting to give his younger players exposure, UST head coach Odjie Mamon slotted in some of his rookies in the second set. The Tigers started sluggishly and allowed UE to build a five-point lead, 16-11, as UE team captain Edward Camposano fired off loaded jump serves. UST’s young lineup, however, found a way to trim the lead. Shoring up their floor defense, UST watched as UE coughed up multiple errors and free balls. The Tigers eventually got first crack at set point, 24-23, but were stalled to a deuce after a Jason Sarabia service error. UST then took the next two points off a Jomaru Amagan kill and a UE attack error.
Deflated from the previous set, the Warriors barely put up a fight in the third frame. The Tigers led by as much as ten, 21-11, closing the match easily.
Coach Odjie Mamon was satisfied with how his team executed their gameplan and his players’ disposition throughout the match.
“They executed very well today so I just let them enjoy the match. Medyo pressured na sila for the past two games so I was glad to see them playing well while enjoying the game,” Mamon said.
Open hitter, Manuel Medina topped UST with 16 points while opposite hitter Tyrone Carodan pitched in 12.
Camposano was the only Warrior in double-digits with 12 points. UE is yet to win a match in Camposano’s career.
The Tigers (1-2) will take on the NU Bulldogs (2-0) on Wednesday, 10 a.m. at the MoA Arena. UE (0-3) will also take on the Bulldogs next Saturday 10 a.m. also at the MoA Arena.
The Scores
UST (3) – Medina 16, Carodan 12, Sarabia 7, Amagan 6, Balse 4, Bautista 2, Tajanlangit 2, Castillo 1, Arbasto 1, Guzman 0, Francisco (L)
UE (0) – Camposano 12, Abrot 6, Ortega 6, Lelic 5, Alba 4, Saguin 4, Imperial 1, Magdaong 0, Inoferio (L), Pron (L)
