Manila: University of Santo Tomas boosted its semifinal campaign after eliminating University of the East, 22-25, 25-15, 25-19, 25-23, Sunday in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament at its homecourt, the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

According to Philippines News Agency, two-time Most Valuable Player Josh Yba±ez delivered 25 points on 21 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, alongside six excellent receptions and five digs as the Golden Spikers maintained solo third at 7-4. UST will earn a seat in the Final Four if it prevails over Adamson University and Ateneo de Manila University defeats De La Salle University on April 11 at Playime FilOil Centre in San Juan.

UST coach Odjie Mamon expressed disappointment with the team’s performance in the first set but noted that the players learned from the experience. “Our mastery over our playing style or our system, especially on defense, should be polished. This match was really frustrating, but it also served its purpose by highlighting what we should correct,” he said.

In the fourth set, UE scored four straight points, including a Roy Piojo backrow hit and a Yba±ez attack error, to take a 22-21 lead. UST then countered with a 4-1 run built on an Isaiah Roca service error, an Xjhann Camaymayan net touch, an Yba±ez offspeed hit, and a Raquim Aceron service error, to wrap up the match in one hour and 49 minutes.

Joncriz Ayco contributed 12 points, middle blocker Trevor Valera added 11 points, and Joshua Avila made 19 excellent sets for the Golden Spikers. The Red Warriors, who slid to 2-9 with three games remaining in the eliminations, were led by Aceron with 17 points, 22 receptions, and five digs. Piojo added 13 points, followed by Camaymayan and Roca with seven and six points each. UE will face National University on April 12, also at the UST venue.