Game Wednesday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
2 p.m. – NU vs UST (Game 2)
By MARK REY MONTEJO
It’s either win or go home for reigning champion National University and University of Santo Tomas as last year’s finalists duel in sudden death of their semifinal series in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday, May 7.
Fueled by their 27-25, 29-27, 19-25, 25-18 triumph in the opener of their series over weekend, the Golden Spikers hope to replicate their splendid show and close out their series against the five-peat seeking Bulldogs in their 2 p.m. showdown.
The victor of the match earns the ticket to the finals where it challenges No. 1 seed Far Eastern University, which toppled De La Salle University in the other semis pairing.
Despite UST’s win, head coach Odjie Mamon is still looking for better performance from his wards, noting they could’ve done better if they followed the game plan to the letter.
“We live [to fight] another day, pero I don’t want to be desperately playing like that. Parang desperate yung volleyball namin kanina, maganda sana if the players followed the game plan,” said Mamon.
“We could have done better, but I am happy we get to play on Wednesday again,” he added.
After back-to-back runner-up finishes, the España-based squad is expected to go all out for another title shot with two-time UAAP MVP Josh Ybañez, Jay De La Noche, Gboy de Vega, and Dux Yambao leading the way.
De Vega was a revelation in UST’s first victory over NU this season, chipping in 14 points to support Ybañez and De La Noche’s scoring spree for the Golden Spikers.
On the other hand, Leo Oringo, Leo Ordiales, Jade Disquitado, and Greg Ancheta banner the Bulldogs as they try to redeem themselves and to continue their pursuit of a fifth consecutive title in seventh finals appearance.
