Green Spikers tamed by UST in intense match

The De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Spikers (2–2) were tamed by defending champions, the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers (3–0) in an intense two-set match, earlier today at the Sands SM by the Bay in the UAAP Season 86 Beach Volleyball tournament.

Unfortunately, this outcome prevented La Salle from avenging last year’s heartbreak.

The first set commenced with a UST service ace and an attack error from Andre Espejo, promptly joined by an attack of his own, 1–2. However, a series of robust attack errors from La Salle resulted in a seven-point disadvantage for the Green and White at the first court change and timeout, 1–8. Despite the valiant efforts of the Taft-based duo to narrow UST’s lead, several powerful attacks from UST proved challenging to handle, and some of La Salle’s attacks went out of bounds. As the first technical timeout (TTO) approached, La Salle faced an 11-point deficit, trailing at 5–16. Despite the Green and White slowly approaching double digits, UST’s formidable defense was steady, leading them to secure the set, 9–21.

The second set commenced with an impressive attack and block combination from Espejo, asserting their presence, 2–0. However, UST’s 4–0 run disrupted the Lasallians’ momentum, placing them at a four-point disadvantage, 2–4. Despite Espejo’s attempts to counter with a spike and corner shot, UST executed their strategy effectively, extending their lead to 4–11. As both teams reached the set’s first technical timeout (TTO), La Salle faced yet another substantial 11-point deficit after a 5–0 run by UST, 5–16. Maglinao’s determination shone through as his attacks proved too strong for UST to handle. However, even after Maglinao’s last check ballpoint, UST ultimately secured the second set, 8–21.

Witness the Green Spikers as they aim to bounce back against the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws on Friday, November 24, 7:45 AM, at the same venue.

Set Scores: 9–21, 8–21