University of Sto. Tomas kicked off its redemption tour by sending a statement to the entire league.
In a rematch of last year's finals, the Golden Spikers stunned defending champion National University, ending its 34-game winning streak in straight sets, 25-23, 26-24, 25-19, in the UAAP Season 86 men's volleyball tournament, Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The last time that the four-peat seeking Bulldogs dropped a game was back in Season 81, an opening-day 25-12, 25-16, 25-19 straight-set loss to Far Eastern University on February 16, 2019.
"I'm very happy that the team responded to our preparation. They responded well so masaya," said UST head coach Odjie Mamon
"The team responded well kasi hindi lang naman pagtuturo ng techniques and yung mga tactics namin, here yung tibay ng pagiisip saka ng puso nila na they have to be patient and disciplined," he added.
NU tried its best to extend the game, slicing UST's five-point, 19-14 advantage through a 3-1 run led by Jan Abanilla and Jade Disquitado to just three, 20-17, in the third set.
Unfortunately, consecutive errors from Abanilla and Obed Mukaba kick-started the Golden Spikers' five-to-nothing finishing kick, which was highlighted by Gboy Dela Vega's match-clinching ace.
"Di nga kami nanalo eh, the opponent scored points for us, makikita niyo yun. Kami tatanggap lang kami ng regalo nila," said Mamon as the Bulldogs committed 25 errors in the one-hour, 17-minute match
Josh Ybañez top scored for UST with 13 points to go along with seven excellent digs and five excellent receptions while the pair of Edlyn Colinares and Jay Rack Dela Noche added eight points apiece.
Dux Yambao tossed 18 excellent sets and scored three points in the victory.
UST (1-0) looks to build from this win when they take on University of the East (0-1) on Wednesday, 12:00 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Nico Almendras and Jade Disquitado carried the scoring load for the Bulldogs with 15 and 13 points, respectively, with Mike Buddin expected to miss the next three weeks due to a right hand injury.
Mukaba was held to just five points, while team captain Joshua Retamar delivered 16 excellent sets in the loss.
On the other hand, NU (0-1) will face off against Ateneo de Manila University (1-0) on Saturday, 12:00 p.m. at the MOA Arena.
