Tiger Spikers break two-game skid against UP
By Ernest Martin Tuazon
The UST Tiger Spikers snapped their two-game skid against the UP Fighting Maroons to end their elimination campaign (1–13) with a 11–3 card, 24–26, 25–18, 25–20, 25–23, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on April 30, Sunday.
UST blasted the Fighting Maroons with a 4–1 run in the fourth set to register their 11th win of the season, finished off with a kill attack by John Dedoroy, 25–23.
After leading by six markers in the third set, the Tiger Spikers survived an error-plagued frame by utilizing their quick attacks where they ended the set through a 1–2 play by team captain Lorence Cruz, 25–20.
UST’s lone set point in the opening frame went for naught as three crucial errors by Josh Ybañez, Charles Magpayo, and Jhun Senoron saw them giving UP their lone won set, 24–26.
Overall, the Tiger Spikers tallied 39 errors compared to the Fighting Maroons’ 13, a consistent point of emphasis on their play as they continue to polish on their attacks and services.
“Sa ngayon, okay sige mag-error kayo. Pero siguraduhin niyo sa latter part ng tournament, nalaman niyo na kung paano ip-polish ‘yung mga skills na nagkaka errors tayo,” said UST assistant coach Benjamin Mape.
Ybañez continued his stellar play with 26 points on three blocks and two aces, while De Vega chipped in 17 markers of his own.
The Tiger Spikers will now await the winner between the FEU Tamaraws and DLSU Green Spikers for their step ladder match on Sunday. The time and venue have yet to be announced.
