UST downs Letran in 4 for second straight win

University of Santo Tomas overcame a sluggish start to claim its second straight win in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, defeating Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 20-25, 25-17, 25-18, 25-21, on Tuesday at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.

Al Bukharie Sali once again spearheaded the Golden Spikers, leading their second-set resurgence and carrying the momentum into the next two frames.

The opposite hitter finished with 21 points built on 16 attacks, two service aces, and three timely blocks.

"Medyo ano lang 'yung bata — hindi naman natin pwedeng i-count out 'yung Letran kasi first runner-up 'yan sa NCAA, 'yung kondisyon nila is mabagal. Luckily, nung pahuli, sumabay na sila. Naka-recover naman kami," said coach Benjamin Mape, who continues to call the shots in the absence of head coach Odjie Mamon, still with Alas Pilipinas Men in their preparations for the World Championships.

Locked at 18 in the fourth set, UST unleashed a decisive 7-3 closing run, highlighted by a 5-0 stretch on the serve of JJ Macam.

After a service error ended Macam’s run and handed Letran a lifeline, the outside hitter quickly redeemed himself with a clutch attack to bring the Golden Spikers to match point.

The Knights saved two match points, but Sali sealed the deal with a powerful kill, ending the one-hour-and-39-minute battle.

Letran started strong, pouncing on UST’s service errors in the opening frame.

The Knights controlled the game, with Romer Sumagaysay delivering crucial points to secure the first set.

That, however, was their last stand, as the Golden Spikers responded with tight net defense and consistent execution, pulling away midway through the next two sets.

"Yung adjustment naming, nata-translate na agad ng mga bata. 'Yon 'yung maganda sa part ng program namin na 'yung immediate instruction is nagagawa agad, which is good. Hindi maganda 'yung first set mo; nagkaroon kami ng adjustment sa second set at nagtuloy ng third. Nung fourth set nawala na naman; nagbigay ulit kami ng pointers," he added.

Sali and rookie middle blocker Sean Cruz each tallied three blocks, combining for all but two of UST’s six total rejections.

Setter and team captain Dux Yambao orchestrated the offense masterfully with 20 excellent sets that fueled the team’s 57 attack points.

Gboy De Vega and Macam chipped in 13 and 12 markers, respectively, to complement Sali’s heroics.

UST (2-0) will look to extend its winning streak when it faces De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde on Saturday at 3 p.m., still at Paco Arena.

For the Knights, Lopez was the lone bright spot in double figures with 11 points on nine attacks, one block, and one ace.

Team captain Vince Himzon was held to just five points off three spikes and two blocks.

Letran (0-2) will aim to snap their skid against Arellano (0-2) on Sunday at 10 a.m.