Manila: The University of Santo Tomas rolled to its third straight win Saturday, sweeping the University of the East (UE), 25-18, 25-22, 25-22, in the UAAP Season 88 men's volleyball at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila. Josh Yba±ez finished with 13 points and 11 excellent receptions as the Golden Spikers gained solo second with a 3-1 record. 'It's always nice to play in your home court. The reception from the crowd, predominantly from UST, was great. My players were inspired,' said UST head coach Odjie Mamon.
According to Philippines News Agency, JJ Macam and Trevor Valera took charge in the second set, while Vryvin Catinsag and Joncriz Ayco delivered in the third as the Golden Spikers prevailed after one hour and 20 minutes. 'Also, in our meeting, I said yesterday that it would be better if we all contributed. At least we did what we said yesterday that we would all contribute,' said Dux Yambao, who made 17 excellent sets and added four points. Valera chipped in 10 points, Catinsag and Ayco had eight points each, followed by Macam with seven points.
Raquim Aceron had 12 points and 13 receptions while Mark Lee Budias added 10 points for the Red Warriors, who slid to 1-3. Meanwhile, UST pulled off a 25-11, 25-14, 25-14 win over UE to improve its record to 2-2 in the women's division. Angge Poyos led the Golden Tigresses with 11 points, while outside spiker Jonna Perdido, who missed last season due to a torn ACL, contributed 10 points (five spikes, three aces, and two blocks), six digs, and four receptions.
Avril Bron, Marga Altea, and Regina Jurado added eight points each. Cassie Carballo orchestrated the offense with 13 excellent sets to go with five points. 'Happy and proud because slowly, we are adapting to each other and what we want to do. We know that we still have a lot to improve, but the good thing is, we have good results now,' UST head coach Shaq Delos Santos said. Khy Cepada, a former Junior Tigress, scored nine points for the winless Lady Warriors.
