University of Santo Tomas made quick work of Ateneo de Manila University, 25-21, 25-19, 25-17, to secure a bronze medal finish in the 2025 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge on Monday morning at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Determined to bounce back from a straight-sets loss to the FEU Tamaraws last Saturday that knocked them out of championship contention, the Golden Spikers set the tone early, relying on the combined efforts of Alas Pilipinas Men member Josh Ybañez and Al-Bukharie Sali to surpass their fourth-place finish in last year’s edition of the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Ybañez poured in 14 points with five excellent receptions, while Sali added 12 points on nine attacks, two blocks, and one ace. UST’s victory was a testament to their resilience and consistency, marking their third podium finish in four years since 2022.
“Joining this tournament, we have a two-fold goal. One is to qualify for the Spikers’ Turf and most importantly, yung sistema namin, ma-execute at ma-adjust yung mastery ng mga bata sa sistema. Although hindi kami nag-qualify sa championship, yung mastery nila tumaas,” Golden Spikers head coach Odjie Mamon said.
Two straight blocks by Sali, back-to-back conversions by Ybañez, and two Ateneo errors allowed UST to seize a seven-point, 15-8 lead in the third set.
That early surge proved decisive as the Golden Spikers widened the gap further, with three straight crosscourt hits by Andrei Delicana, Sali, and Ybañez, capped by a game-sealing backrow attack from Gabriel Hernandez, to complete the sweep in 74 minutes.
A backrow attack by Karl Reyes and a Miguel Yu block on Sherwin Umandal helped Ateneo trim the second set deficit to 19-17, but UST held firm in the clutch.
A pivotal 6-2 run—highlighted by three consecutive points from Gboy de Vega, built on two blocks and a crosscourt hit—gave the Golden Spikers a decisive two-set advantage.
Gboy de Vega contributed seven points and eight excellent receptions, while Vryvin Catinsag added six points.
Team captain Dux Yambao orchestrated UST’s offense with 18 excellent sets and two points.
Meanwhile, the Blue Eagles fell short of the podium once again, marking their third miss in four years after consecutive fourth-place finishes in 2022 and 2023.
Skipper Jian Salarzon was the only player in double digits with 10 points and 11 excellent receptions, while rookie middle blocker Rodge Alejos and Miguel Yu added six points each.
