UST-Gameville leaned on the explosive duo of Josh Ybañez and JJ Macam as the Golden Spikers trampled the VNS Griffins, 25-19, 25-19, 26-28, 25-22, in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Sunday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
Ybañez redeemed himself from a costly attack error that allowed the Griffins to force a fourth set, erupting for a game-high 27 points – all from attacks – on top of 12 excellent digs to lead the España-based squad’s recovery from a tough four-set loss to the Savouge Spin Doctors.
The win improved UST-Gameville’s record to 2-1 in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Macam, meanwhile, stepped up big in the absence of GBoy De Vega, who sat out due to personal reasons. The reliable open spiker delivered 20 points built on 17 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, anchoring UST-Gameville’s offense in the two-hour victory.
“Siguro masyado kaming relaxed, tapos hindi namin naisip na papalag talaga ‘yung kalaban. Kaya ayun, hindi namin nakuha ng straight sets,” Macam admitted after the win.
Despite committing a slew of service miscues, the Golden Spikers compensated with explosive firepower at the net and a cohesive defensive wall that stymied the Griffins’ attacks. Their high-octane offense, powered by consistent hitting from both the wings and the middle, allowed them to dominate the first two sets with authority.
“Strong serve talaga ang laro namin kaya maraming errors. So that’s the challenge we have to overcome – target sa service and how to handle the pressure inside the court. Kasi once nape-pressure kami, di na namin magawa ang dapat gawin,” said Macam, acknowledging both the strengths and growing pains of their aggressive system.
But the Golden Spikers quickly regrouped, unleashing a barrage of attacks that buried the Griffins in the fourth. UST-Gameville hammered out 74 kills compared to VNS’ 44, showcasing their firepower and depth to close out the match with authority.
“Sana sa next game namin, ma-overcome namin ‘yung mga errors. Naging kampante kami kasi up kami ng two sets – nasobrahan kami sa relax,” Macam added.
Trevor Valera chipped in 10 points, including three blocks, while Andrei Delicana made a strong impact off the bench, firing 10 markers in the decisive fourth set.
Dux Yambao orchestrated the offense with 34 excellent sets and three points, while Edriel Alabar anchored the floor defense with 24 excellent receptions and 18 digs.
The victory pulled UST-Gameville into a tie for third place with the Spin Doctors and the Alpha Insurance Protectors, setting up a tight race toward the semifinals in the tournament supported by Alpha Insurance, Premiere EMS, Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things, and Arena Plus.
UST-Gameville will next face Alpha Insurance on Friday at 4 p.m. at the Paco Arena in Manila.
Meanwhile, VNS absorbed its third straight loss, dropping to 0-3 in a tie with PGJC-Navy.
Axel Book led the Griffins with 16 points and 13 receptions, while John Diwa and RK Medino added eight apiece, and Bembem Bautista chipped in seven.
The Griffins will try to finally break through against Savouge on Friday at 2 p.m.
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