By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Junior Golden Spikers outdueled the National University Nazareth School (NUNS) Bullpups, 25-19, 25-18, 20-25, 25-22, in the UAAP Season 87 high school boys’ volleyball tournament at the Paco Arena in Manila on Thursday, November 21.

Negrense Joncriz Ayco finished with 17 points, on 14 attacks and three blocks, as the Junior Golden Spikers improved to a 12-1 win-loss slate, bolstering their chances of a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.

Rainier Lorayes chipped in 15 points, while setter Jefferson Abalos recorded 19 excellent sets for the Junior Golden Spikers, which trailed 10-14 in the fourth set before turning things around behind the efforts of Ayco.

“Syempre, grateful kami na natalo namin ‘yung defending champions, then maganda ‘yung ginawa ng mga players namin. Siguro, very effective ‘yung ginawa namin na sistema ngayong araw,” UST head coach Clarence Esteban said.

“Pinaghahandaan na namin talaga itong laban na ito against NUNS. Kahit papaano, naging fruitful ‘yung ginawa naming paghihirap at sakripisyo doon sa training namin,” he added.

Xandrex Ragusta finished with 15 points to lead the way for the defending champions Bullpups, which fell to an 11-2 win-loss slate with the defeat.

Meanwhile, the University of the East (UE) Junior Warriors (11-2) also boosted their twice-to-beat chances with a 25-19, 25-23, 19-25, 25-22 triumph over the Adamson University Baby Falcons.

Christian Antonio spearheaded UE with a stellar 16-point outing, 14 from attacks.

On the other hand, Lance Babon added 14 points, including 13 attacks.

“Focus kami more on doon sa weak part namin, like sa service. Hundred percent dapat ang maibigay namin. Hindi tulad ngayon na papasok [tapos] hindi, papasok [tapos] hindi,” UE head coach Herbert Dizon said./ASC, WDJ