The University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers captured their 7th win of the season after outclassing the Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles, 26-24, 25-17, 25-22, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament on Saturday, April 5, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

This victory serves as revenge for the Golden Spikers after caving in against the Blue Eagles in the first round, 20-25, 22-25, 25-22, 21-25.

This also boosts their chances of reaching the Final Four this season with a win-loss record of 7-4.

Josh Ybañez led the way for UST with 24 points built on 20 attacks, three aces, and a block, while Popoy Colinares knocked in 13 points on seven attacks and six blocks in the winning effort.

“Lagi ko lang iniisip na once na nasa loob ako ng court, I have to do something, na makapagcontribute ako ng marami sa team in all aspects, not just sa attacking pero sa dig, receive, and maraming department ng volleyball especially sa block kasi doon ako mahina,” Ybañez said.

Dux Yambao powered up the offensive end of UST, tallying 21 excellent sets, followed by Jay Rack Dela Noche’s nine points, JJ Macam’s eight markers, and Trevor Valera’s six-point contribution.

The Golden Spikers got off to a flying start in the opening set but Ateneo unleashed a 7-3 rally sparked by Jian Salarzon, to even the frame at 19-all.

Both teams traded conversions late in a set resulting in a deadlock at the 24-all mark, but two consecutive points from Ybañez and Valera helped UST seal the first frame, 26-24.

UST kept cool and poised in the second salvo as they seized a two-set edge with an eight-point lead, 25-17.

Both teams were locked in a battle of attrition as they found themselves tied at the 15-all mark halfway through the set.

Dela Noche triggered a 9-5 blitz through a roll shot, helping UST seize a four-point advantage, 24-20.

The Eagles from Katipunan scored back-to-back markers to extend the series but Ybañez silenced them with an off-the-block kill to secure the sweep and their 7th win this season, 25-22.

“Thankful ako sa mga players nag-respond sila, na-execute ‘yung plano. May lapses pero understandable. Yung last part nga ng first set may slip ups pero kalma lang and nakapag-execute kami,” said UST head coach Odjie Mamon.

Kennedy Batas paced Ateneo in their loss with 20 points built on 19 attacks and a block.

The Golden Spikers will aim to improve their record to 8-4 as they collide with the UE Red Warriors on Saturday, April 12, in the same venue.