UST’s Paul Colinares (No. 8) scores against La Salle’s Eric Paolo Layug (No. 7) during the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday (Feb. 26, 2025). The Golden Spikers won, 25-21, 25-20, 26-16. (UAAP photo)
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) secured its second consecutive victory in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament, sweeping De La Salle University, 25-21, 25-20, 25-16, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday.
Paul Colinares led the charge for the Golden Spikers, delivering 17 points built on 11 attacks, five blocks, and an ace. UST showcased its depth despite the continued absence of two-time MVP Josh Ybañez, who remains sidelined with a Grade 2 ankle sprain.
Jayrack Dela Noche contributed 12 points, while JJ Macam added 10 points and 13 excellent receptions. With the win, UST improved to 2-1, joining National University and Ateneo de Manila University in second place.
“The whole team is happy because we remain intact even though Josh isn’t playing. No matter who steps in, we know they will perform because everyone is confident,” said Colinares.
UST’s victory over La Salle marked its first since a four-set triumph in Season 85’s second round on April 2, 2023.
Head coach Odjie Mamon praised his squad’s preparation and mindset. “The result speaks for itself in terms of our depth. The players were in a good mood during practice, and they carried that energy onto the court, allowing them to play freely,” Mamon said.
Season 86 beach volleyball MVP Alche Gupiteo chipped in seven points, while team captain Dux Yambao orchestrated the offense with 19 excellent sets in the one-hour, 11-minute match.
For La Salle, Noel Kampton, MJ Fortuna, Emman Fernandez, and Eric Layug each managed six points as their team dropped to 1-2.
Adamson ends skid with win over UE
In another matchup, Adamson University broke an eight-game losing streak by defeating the University of the East, 27-29, 25-23, 25-20, 25-17.
Jude Aguilar led the Falcons with 17 points from 14 attacks and three blocks, while Leo Coguimbal delivered 16 points, highlighted by eight blocks, six attacks, and two aces.
The win marked Adamson’s first since March 23, 2024, when they last defeated UE in Season 86’s second round.
“I’m happy with my first win as Adamson’s head coach. It’s a valuable lesson from what we did to our opponent,” said coach Raffy Mosuela.
Reflecting on their shaky start, Mosuela noted, “In the first set, we had too many unforced errors. It took the players time to warm up, but in the second set, they realized we lost due to our mistakes rather than the opponent’s performance.”
Steve Aligayon posted 23 points for UE, including 20 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, while recording six excellent digs. Roy Piojo added 17 points, but the Red Warriors suffered their third consecutive defeat.