RODRIGUEZ, RIZAL – In a battle of also-ran squads, University of Santo Tomas-Gameville kept its slim bronze medal hopes alive by trouncing ProVolley Academy, 25-16, 25-21, 25-16, in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, Tuesday at the Ynares Center Montalban here.
Already out of championship contention, the Golden Spikers bounced back from three consecutive losses to start the round-robin semifinals, keeping their bronze medal hopes alive while booting out the Australian squad from the bronze medal race.
“Learning process pa rin kasi kailangan ma-form namin ‘yung mga bata para sa UAAP. So itong mga last game namin for Criss Cross, kailangan makuha ng mga bata ‘yung confidence nila towards the game,” said UST-Gameville assistant coach Benjamin Mape.
Gboy Dela Vega delivered an all-around effort of 17 points, all from attacks, to go along with 17 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs in UST-Gameville's first win in the round-robin semis of the tournament organized by Sports Vision and supported by Alpha Insurance, Premier EMS, Buffalo's Wings N' Things, Arena Plus, and Black Mamba.
The Golden Spikers leaned on their attacking prowess—anchored by Joshua Avila, who dished out 19 excellent sets—as they fired 52 attacks, far outworking the Australian squad, which managed just 27 in the one-hour, 13-minute contest.
John Catinsag added nine markers on five attacks, three blocks, and one ace, while Kenneth Salvador tallied eight markers.
However, a Criss Cross victory over Savouge later in the day would officially shut the door on UST-Gameville bid for the bronze.
The Golden Spikers will face off against Criss Cross on Thursday, 1 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Team captain Samuel Hansen and Isaac Relova paced the Australian team, who dropped their fourth game in as many outings, with 10 points each.
Jude Amper tallied five points, 10 excellent receptions, and five excellent digs in the loss.
ProVolley Academy hopes to end its campaign on a high note against defending champion Cignal also on Thursday at 3 p.m.
Games are aired live on One Sports and One Sports+, with video-on-demand available via the Pilipinas Live app. Matches are also streamed on spikersturf.ph.
