STILL UNDEFEATED. University of Santo Toms’s Crisean James Cruz serves during the game against the University of the Philippines Integrated School in the UAAP Season 87 High School boys’ volleyball tournament at the Paco Arena in Manila on Wednesday (Oct. 9, 2024). The Junior Golden Spikers won, 25-6, 25-7, and 25-7 to remain undefeated in six matches. (UAAP photo)
MANILA – University of Santo Tomas outclassed University of the Philippines Integrated School, 25-6, 25-7, 25-7, to remain unbeaten in the UAAP Season 87 High School Boys’ volleyball tournament at the Paco Arena in Manila on Wednesday.
Middle blocker Zach Patrick Maude, who replaced Crisean James Cruz in the second set and stayed on the floor until the end of the match, finished with nine points, including four aces and one block, as the Junior Golden Spikers rolled to their sixth win.
Defending champion National University Nazareth School and University of the East are in second place at 5-1.
Gherick Luson and reigning MVP Joncriz Ayco chipped in seven points each, while John Paul Bautista and Jefferson Misael Abalos added five points apiece for UST, which placed fourth last season.
Chester Fritz Esteban had nine excellent sets while skipper-libero Legaspi and Andrei Amaneo made four digs each.
"Their skills, they have developed now. We had a setter and we had a true libero. That's the biggest factor because last year we didn't have a setter. Kalel (Legaspi) was our setter last year. So, the kids just stepped up and now, our lineup is complete. Even our second stringers, you can count on them when it comes to the game," head coach Clarence Esteban said after the 48-minute match.
UST will try to sweep the first round on Saturday when it battles Far Eastern University-Diliman (FEU-D) at 11 a.m.
FEU-D had earlier pulled off a 25-17, 25-19, 25-16 win over De La Salle Zobel (DLSZ) to improve its record to 3-3 for joint third with Adamson University.
Captain Zedrick Dave Calimlim led the Baby Tamaraws with 13 points and eight excellent receptions.
Kenneth Jan Maliwanag added 12 points followed by Edrielle Manlapaz with 11 points and Brix Landicho with five points, including three blocks, and 17 excellent sets.
Ahead of their match against FEU, Esteban told his players to just stay focused. "I told them, don't look at the numbers. Look at how you move inside the court."
Mario Roxas made 13 points and 11 excellent receptions for DLSZ, which stayed in fourth place at 2-4. The Junior Spikers will meet the Baby Falcons on Sunday at 9 a.m. (PNA)
