University of Santo Tomas relied on GBoy de Vega's leadership and spiking prowess in a tough third set skirmish as the Golden Spikers fended off the debuting De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 25-21, 25-21, 30-28, to stay unbeaten the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge preliminary round on Saturday at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.
De Vega took over in the extended 33-minute third set to steer the Golden Spikers to the solo lead with three straight victories. He tallied 15 points on 13 attacks and two blocks, including a crucial down-the-line hit that put UST at match point.
Moments later, Dux Yambao denied Paul Jordan at the net to seal the straight-sets victory.
"Medyo naging effective naman 'yung mga minor adjustments na pinag-ensayuhan namin the past week," said De Vega, who also contributed four digs and 15 excellent receptions.
"We actually focused on not starting slow; mas naging aggressive kami this time. So, we were able to get this straight-sets win kasi naniwala kami sa mga coaches namin na 'to able to start nang maayos 'yung game, you should be aggressive."
That aggressive start fueled UST’s control in the first two sets, though Benilde leaned on Reymark Betco and Rocky Motol to keep things close.
Yambao, however, orchestrated the offense with precision, finding De Vega and JJ Macam in transition.
The Golden Spikers also capitalized on clean passes and free balls, converting them into middle attacks with Trevor Valera and Sean Cruz delivering on Yambao's superb playmaking.
UST held a slim advantage in attacks, 40-35, and edged Benilde in blocks, 9-7, highlighted by Macam’s rejection of Betco in a crucial stretch in the third frame.
Betco finished with 13 points on 13 attacks for the Blazers, while Motol backed him with 11 markers.
