MANILA: University of Santo Tomas fought back from a third-set loss to prevail over Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 25-23, 25-12, 20-25, 25-18, in the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena in Manila on Wednesday.
Rookie spiker Al-Bukharie Sali and middle blocker Trevor Valera scored 14 points each in leading the Golden Tigers to their third consecutive victory.
The 6-foot-5 Sali made 13 attacks and Valera had six blocks, while Edlyn Paul Colinares chipped in 13 points, including three aces and a block, as UST joined National University in third place at 3-2.
Rey Miguel contributed 11 points, while Jan Julian Macam added 10 points, including two aces.
‘Not the things I wanted to see. I have two days to review and make them focus again on what I’m trying to teach them,’ head coach Odjie Mamon said after the one hour and 52-minute match.
UST will be up against winless Emilio Aguinaldo College at 12 p.m. on Sunday.
“We are still focusing on the team because I made a change in the system,
so that’s one thing we should master. Then, we will prepare for our opponent,” said Mamon, who is back in the team after a stint with Alas Pilipinas.
Vince Virrey Himzon, the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Invitationals MVP, led Letran with 16 points, 15 on attacks.
Steven Sta. Maria and John Derrick Bautista added seven points each as the Knights dropped to sixth at 2-3.
Bautista also made 13 excellent receptions, while John Wayne Arano had 13 excellent digs for Letran, which will meet Far Eastern University at 2 p.m., also on Sunday.
Source: Philippines News Agency
