UST shoots down Ateneo to boost Final Four bid

MANILA, Philippines — UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas bolstered its UAAP Season 87 men's volleyball Final Four bid with a crucial straight-sets victory over Ateneo de Manila University, 26-24, 25-17, 25-22, Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.The Golden Spikers have now won three straight games after losing three consecutive previously to elevate their record to 7-4 at solo third, half a game ahead of De La Salle Green Spikers - who are playing Adamson Soaring Falcons as of publishing time. UST, which avenged a 20-25, 22-25, 25-22, 21-25 loss to Ateneo in the first round, is just one and a half games behind second-running National University at 8-2. "I'm thankful to the players—they responded well and executed the game plan. There were some lapses, but they were understandable. In the latter part of the first set, we had some slip-ups, but we stayed composed and managed to execute," said head coach Odjie Mamon as his Golden Spikers almost squandered a 24-22 lead in the opening frame.Jay Rack Dela Noche atoned for a centerline fault with a drop shot that sent UST to match point, 24-20, but Ateneo tried to push for a last-minute rally. An attack error by Dela Noche gave the Blue Eagles some hope, followed by Kennedy Batas' sharp kill off an overreceived ball to inch within 22-24. However, Josh Ybañez said enough as his back-row attempt grazed the hands of Brian Castro for the Golden Spikers triumph after one hour and 26 minutes. "I always remind myself that once I'm inside the court, I have to make an impact—I need to contribute a lot to the team in all aspects, not just in attacking but also in digging, receiving, and many other areas of volleyball, especially blocking, because that's where I'm weakest," said Ybañez. The reigning two-time MVP uncorked 24 big points on a very efficient 20-of-33 spiking rate along with three aces and a block, while Popoy Colinares backed him up with 13 points on seven attacks and six blocks. Dux Yambao steered the Golden Spikers' offense with 21 excellent sets, distributing the ball well with Dela Noche making nine points, JJ Macam producing eight, and Trevor Valera getting six. UST, which dominated the blocking category 13-2, looks to extend its streak when it faces University of the East next Saturday at the Big Dome. Meanwhile, Ateneo slipped to its second straight defeat to fall at 6-5 at fifth with its schedule not getting easier. The Blue Eagles' next foe will be the top-seeded FEU Tamaraws on Wednesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig. Batas paced Ateneo with 20 points on 19-of-38 spikes while Amil Pacinio added nine points. It was Jian Salarzon who was silenced to just four points in two sets played although he still collected 15 excellent receptions. TMT