The UST Golden Spikers crushed the EAC Generals in straight sets, 25-18, 25-17, 25-19, to claim their fourth straight win in the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge Cup on Saturday, Sept. 1, at the Paco Arena.

Paul Colinares led UST’s firepower, gunning up 11 points on five attacks and six blocks, followed by Jay Rack De La Noche and rookie Jan Macam who both racked up 10 markers for the Golden Spikers.

The Golden Spikers dictated the opening salvo with their lead ballooning up to nine points through multiple service aces from De La Noche, and attacks from Macam and open hitter Gboy De Vega, 22-13.

EAC momentarily held command of the set after embarking on a 5-0 run courtesy of opposite spiker Ruther Abor to cut the lead to four, 22-18.

UST responded with a three-point blitz to close the set, 25-18, through back-to-back attacks and blocks from the De La Noche and Sherwin Umandal duo.

The Golden Spikers controlled the early portion of the second frame, with Dela Noche leading the charge for UST, 8-5.

Middle blockers Colinares and Trevor Valera of UST continued to prowl for points as the lead continued to pile up for a seven-point cushion late in the set, 22-15.

UST closed the set at 25-17 via an illegal attack from Abor and a service error from Kenneth Batiancala of the EAC side.

The Golden Spikers continued their domination in the third set as they quickly dismantled EAC’s defense to go up seven points with an ace coming from De Vega and quick attacks from Valera halfway through the set, 19-12.

Trying to mount a comeback, the Generals rallied to close the gap, cutting the lead to three, 21-18.

Macam countered EAC’s run with consecutive attacks and block points followed by a service ace to complete the sweep, 25-19.

Abor led the Generals as the lone player with a double-digit performance for EAC with 11 points.

With the win, the Golden Spikers currently stand at a 4-2 win-loss record and are set to clash with Ateneo Blue Eagles on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at the same venue.-Kurt Russel Vincent Miranda