UST rolls past Ateneo to open redemption drive

University of Santo Tomas opened its 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge campaign with a commanding victory over Ateneo de Manila University, shaking off early struggles before asserting its might for a 25-19, 25-17, 25-19 victory at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City on Saturday.

After settling for back-to-back runner-up finishes in the V-League's post-pandemic return and missing the podium last year, the Golden Spikers delivered a strong opening statement in their quest for the championship.

Despite Ateneo trimming the deficit to two, 15-17, in the third set following a JJ Macam attack error, UST closed strong with an 8-4 run. The Golden Spikers capitalized on both set plays and broken plays, with senior outside hitter GBoy De Vega sealing the win with the match-clinching point.

De Vega finished with 10 points, all off attacks, while fellow outside hitter Macam also tallied 10 markers and added seven excellent receptions. Al Bukharie Sali led all scorers with 12 points.

"Maganda 'yung nagging first game namin dito in this tournament kasi 'yung mga first-year namin, na-input namin do'n sa system. At the same time, na-aadpat nila," said assistant coach Benjamin Mape, who took charge in the absence of head coach Odjie Mamon.

The match began as a back-and-forth affair, but UST pulled away behind the firepower of De Vega and Macam, building a 22-16 cushion. Middle blocker Trevor Valera added back-to-back points to bring UST to set point, and Sali secured the set with a decisive kill from the right wing.

Ateneo attempted to regroup in the second set by inserting UAAP Season 87 High School Boys' Finals MVP Pao Medino and opposite hitter Karl Reyes, and even rotated setters. However, the adjustments didn’t yield results as UST continued to pressure with consistent attacks and capitalized on Ateneo's reception and passing woes.

UST setter and team captain Dux Yambao orchestrated the offense effectively, utilizing his full arsenal—including middle blockers Valera and Sean Cruz—to keep Ateneo’s defense guessing. Yambao recorded 20 excellent sets as UST converted 36 of 79 attack attempts.

"Malayo pa 'yan pero maganda na nakikita natin kung kailangan naming i-patch up para ma-cope up natin 'yung playing form ng team para sa UAAP," said Mape. "Yung mga seniors namin is magandang halimbawa do'n sa mga bago, and at the same time, na-ga-guide nila ng tama. Kaya Kahit magpaikot kami ng tao, ando'n pa rin, solid pa rin."

No Ateneo player reached double figures, with Rodge Alejo scoring nine points after coming in during the third set. Team captain Jian Salarzon added eight points and five digs. However, the Blue Eagles' 32 errors proved costly in their defeat.

UST will next face Letran on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center. Ateneo, meanwhile, aims to bounce back against the same Letran squad next Sunday at 5 p.m.