The UST Golden Spikers surrendered Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament finals to the NU Bulldogs in straight sets, 17-25, 24-26, 19-25, on Saturday, May 11 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Josh Ybañez took charge for UST with 11 points built on 10 attacks and one service ace, while Paul Colinares and Gboy De Vega contributed nine points apiece in the losing effort.

The four-peat seeking Bulldogs also bagged their first win against the Golden Spikers in this season.

“I will challenge the players to wake up and have the sense of urgency during the match,” said UST head coach Odjie Mamon on their adjustments for Game 2.

“‘Yun lang ang magiging focus ko for the remaining days we have to prepare for Game 2.”

UST began the set leading by as much as six points, but NU's Joshua Retamar capitalized on the Golden Spikers’ net defense to mount a 16-6 counter run en route to taking the first set, 17-25.

After a back-and-forth second salvo, Ybanez scored two attacks to pull UST to an extended set before Buds Buddin answered with a drop ball.

Ybañez attempted to respond with a down the line attack, only for it to hit the antenna to hand NU the second set win, 24-26.

Capitalizing on NU’s momentum, the Bulldogs surged to start the third set and never looked back, ultimately taking down UST, 19-25.

Buddin and Nico Almendras led NU with 16 points each to snatch Game 1 of the Finals matchup.

The two teams will meet again for Game 2 on Wednesday, May 11 at the same venue.