By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Spikers stayed alive with a 26-24, 27-25, 19-25, 25-18 victory over the National University Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Final Four at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, May 3.

Negrense JayRack de la Noche had 15 markers on 13 attacks, one block and a service ace, to go with nine excellent digs as the No. 3 Golden Spikers forced a winner-take-all Game 2 against the defending champion Bulldogs.

Josh Ybañez spearheaded the offense for the Golden Spikers with 22 points, including 19 attacks.

Gboy de Vega contributed 14 markers in the victory.

Golden Spikers head coach Odjie Mamon credited his players for executing their game plan well as they finally notched their first win against the Bulldogs this season.

“I think our preparation is now geared toward our specific opponent. Before, we focused only on internal preparations. But this time, we’re trying to match up,” Mamon said after the game.

“There were still some lapses, especially in the third set, but I’m thankful that the game plan was still followed,” he said.

“I hope we can do the same come Game 2,” he added.

Leo Aringo led the Bulldogs with 18 points, while Negrense Leo Ordiales and Jade Disquitado added 15 and 14 markers, respectively.

Meanwhile, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws recovered from a set down to oust the De La Salle University Green Spikers, 24-26, 25-23, 25-19, 25-20.

Mikko Espartero and Doula Ndongala anchored the offense with 17 points apiece for the Tamaraws, who reached the best-of-three finals for the first time since Season 81.

Lirick Mendoza added 14 markers, while Dryx Saavedra and rookie Amet Bituin chipped in 11 markers apiece for the Tamaraws, who only needed the win once to reach the finals due to their “twice-to-beat” incentive./ASC, WDJ