The UNIVERSITY of Sto. Tomas began its redemption tour by making a strong statement to the entire league.
In a rematch of last year's finals, the Golden Spikers stunned defending champion National University, ending their 34-game winning streak in straight sets, 25-23, 26-24, 25-19, in the UAAP Season 86 men's volleyball tournament on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
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The Bulldogs seeking a four-peat had not lost a game since Season 81 when they suffered a straight-set loss 25-12, 25-16, 25-19 to Far Eastern University on February 16, 2019.
"I'm very happy that the team responded to our preparation. They responded well so masaya," said UST head coach Odjie Mamon.
“The team responded well kasi hindi lang naman pagtuturo ng techniques and yung mga tactics namin, here yung tibay ng pagiisip saka ng puso nila na they have to be patient and disciplined,” he added.
Josh Ybañez led UST with 13 points, seven excellent digs, and five excellent receptions, while Edlyn Colinares and Jay Rack Dela Noche each added eight points.
NU made an effort to extend the game, narrowing UST's five-point lead of 19-14 through a 3-1 run led by Jan Abanilla and Jade Disquitado, bringing the score to 20-17 in the third set.
Unfortunately, consecutive errors from Abanilla and Obed Mukaba sparked a five-point finishing run for the Golden Spikers, capped by Gboy Dela Vega's match-clinching ace.
“Di nga kami nanalo eh, the opponent scored points for us, makikita niyo yun. Kami tatanggap lang kami ng regalo nila,” said Mamon as the Bulldogs committed 25 errors in the one-hour, 17-minute match
Nico Almendras and Disquitado led the scoring for the Bulldogs with 15 and 13 points, respectively, while Mike Buddin is expected to miss the next three weeks due to a right hand injury.
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