The University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers boosted their semifinal prospects in the V-League Collegiate Challenge after grinding out a grueling 25-15, 23-25, 25-22, 24-26, 22-20 victory over College of Saint Benilde at the Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City on Sunday.
Rey Miguel De Vega spearheaded UST’s balanced attack, delivering 23 points alongside 22 excellent receptions, while Al Bukhaire Sali and Jan Julian Macam added 22 and 15 points, respectively. Despite a furious comeback by the Blazers led by Reymark Betco’s 29-point performance, UST stood firm in a extended fifth set, closing out the two-hour, 35-minute battle with a clutch spike from De Vega and a joint block by Macam and Sali. Now holding a 3-3 record, the Golden Spikers will fight for the final semifinal spot against defending champion Far Eastern University on September 26.
