University of Santo Tomas exacted revenge on last year’s Finals tormentor De La Salle U, rallying from an early setback to clinch the next three sets in a 22-25, 25-23, 25-15, 25-16 victory at the Philsports Arena on Wednesday, bringing the Golden Spikers within a win of advancing to the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge Finals.
After a shaky start, UST's Golden Spikers found their footing in the second set, pulling level with the Green Spikers and capitalizing on their momentum to take charge in the crucial swing set.
Despite early jitters and a flurry of errors, assistant coach Benjamin Mape emphasized the importance of trust and going back to fundamentals after the opening set loss.
"Yung tiwala (sa isa't isa), 'yan talaga dapat matutunan ng mga bata. Kasi hindi naman mananalo ang isang team na mag-isa lang eh, dapat team effort,” said Mape.
A long-time assistant to head coach Odjie Mamon, Mape helped guide the team with Mamon and reigning UAAP MVP Josh Ybañez currently in Italy for a training camp.
"Importante 'yung kumpyansa. Kung ando'n 'yung kumpyansa, lahat ng pinaghirapan sa training, lalabas 'yan," added Mape.
The Golden Spikers are looking to carry this newfound momentum into Game 2 of the best-of-three semifinals, set for Sunday at 3 p.m. in the same venue.
Trevor Valera was instrumental in UST’s turnaround, particularly in the second set. His powerful serves gave UST a commanding 16-7 lead by the final technical timeout, helping the team recover from their earlier struggles.
Valera also played a key role in UST's second-set win, delivering two crucial aces to secure the frame.
The third frame saw UST dominate, as it executed well at the net and in transition, forcing La Salle into multiple attacking errors. Sporadic bursts from La Salle’s MJ Fortuna weren’t enough to shift the momentum back in the Green Spikers’ favor.
Valera ended the match with nine points, including three spikes and three blocks.
GBoy De Vega led UST’s offensive charge with 17 points, 16 of which came from attacks, while also contributing six digs and 15 excellent receptions. Paul Colinares added 14 markers, with 10 spikes and four blocks.
La Salle drew 17 points from Chris Hernandez, including 16 spikers, while Eugene Gloria chipped in 11 markers.
While UST will aim to close out the series, La Salle looks to regroup and force a decisive Game 3, guaranteeing an intense showdown in Game 2.
