UAAP: UST secures last Final Four berth in men’s volleyball

UST Golden Spikers in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament.–UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—University of Santo Tomas secured the last Final Four berth after sweeping also-ran University of the East, 25-15, 25-21, 25-16, in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at Araneta Coliseum.

According to UST assistant coach Benjamin Mape, the Golden Spikers played their hearts out knowing a playoff spot was on the line.

“This is the last part of the tournament, we’re all out now. All of our hardships and challenges, this is the latter part so we’ll do our best,” said Mape in Filipino.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball second round

“We’ll do all of the executions, plays and opponent analysis so we can reach the Finals. That’s the mindset of the coaches and the entire team.”

Josh Ybañez led the Golden Spikers with 18 points and 11 excellent receptions to push UST to an 8-5 card.

UST also played tremendous floor defense, not allowing any Red Warrior to reach double digits in scoring. John Aligayon and Angelo Reyes tallied eight points each to pace the 1-12 UE squad.

Ateneo, meanwhile, bowed out of semifinal contention with a 25-21, 23-25, 26-24, 25-19 defeat at the hands of rival La Salle despite a 23-point effort by Jian Salarzon.

READ: UST gains solo fourth, beats Adamson in men’s volleyball

With the win, La Salle boosted its chances for a twice-to-beat edge, tying defending champion National University in second with a 10-3 record.

“I’m just happy that we did our plan. We’ll just have to keep focusing on that plan to end this second round properly,” said coach Jose Roque.

The duo of JM Ronquillo and Noel Kampton scored 15 points each for La Salle while Nathaniel Del Pilar helped the cause with 12 points.