By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Junior Golden Spikers ended their seven-year title drought as they defeated the National University Nazareth School (NUNS) Bullpups, 25-17, 25-22, 25-20, in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 87 boys volleyball finals at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena in Manila on Saturday, December 7.

Negrense John Paul Bautista tallied nine points, mostly coming from attacks, as the Junior Golden Spikers secured their second UAAP boys volley title, their first since UAAP Season 80.

Paolo Medino led the Junior Golden Spikers’ charge with a game-high 21 points, including 16 attacks, four blocks and a service ace, along with 11 excellent digs.

Sean Cruz also tallied nine points for the Junior Golden Spikers, while setter Jeff Abalos orchestrated the offense with 14 excellent sets.

“Syempre grateful kami sa result na nangyari ngayon. Pasalamat kami kay Lord, tapos sa mga staff, sa UST, at sa lahat ng mga tumulong kung paano kami nakarating dito,” UST head coach Clarence Esteban said.

“Pine-praise ko kasi ‘yung mga galaw ng mga players ko na talagang gustong gusto manalo sa araw na ‘to,” he added.

Team captain 17-year-old Kalel Legaspi, who transitioned back to his natural position as libero after playing as a setter last season, was named the finals MVP for his stellar defense, which anchored UST throughout the season.

“Kumbaga po naging isa na lang ‘yung mindset namin. Dami po kasing binibigay sa amin ng UST, [kaya] parang nasa isip na lang po namin ngayon, [it’s] payback time,” the Grade 12 standout from Bataan said.

Despite strong performances from NUNS players Yuan Mendoza (12 points), Irilis Kasim (eight points) and Ragusta (six points), the Bullpups couldn’t match UST’s well-rounded firepower and depth./ASC, WDJ