University of Santo Tomas bounced back with a commanding 25-18, 25-18, 25-15 victory over reigning NCAA champion Arellano University, strengthening its hold on second place in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, Wednesday evening at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.
Coming off a failed reverse sweep bid against the NU Bulldogs in their previous outing, the Golden Spikers took full advantage of a 15-day break to recalibrate. The combined efforts of JJ Macam, Gboy de Vega, and Trevor Valera propelled UST back to the win column in the eight-team tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Macam delivered 14 points, five excellent receptions, and four digs, while De Vega contributed 12 points on 10 attacks as UST improved to solo second with a 4-1 record. The Golden Spikers now brace for a crucial showdown against the FEU Tamaraws (3-1) this Saturday, September 6.
“Ang una talaga namin prinepare ay yung mental toughness ng mga bata. Nung na-prepare na namin yung mental toughness after nung loss namin sa NU, prinepare naman namin yung skills nila para i-ready nila sa susunod na game, which is nag-bunga sa panalo, tapos may kasunod pa kami na crucial game against FEU this Saturday. Kaya kailangan start ulit kami na pa-angat yung condition ng mga bata,” said UST assistant coach Benjamin Mape.
In the second set, a net fault by Golden Spikers captain Dux Yambao allowed the Chiefs to stay within striking distance at 15-13. But UST responded with a 5-1 run — highlighted by four straight points from Valera — to build a 20-14 cushion and secure a two-sets-to-none lead.
From there, the Golden Spikers never looked back. Fueled by a flurry of attacks and defensive stops from De Vega, Macam, and Vryvin Catinsag, UST raced to a commanding 20-7 advantage that sealed the outcome.
An off-the-block hit by Sherwin Umandal followed by a De Vega crosscourt strike brought UST to match point, before a Ryuichi Yamanaka quick attack wrapped up the contest in just 74 minutes.
Valera finished with nine points, while Umandal and Catinsag added six apiece. Yambao also stood out with 21 excellent sets on top of two points.
Meanwhile, Arellano’s struggles continued as the Chiefs head into their final elimination match — a showdown with the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Sunday, September 7 — still winless after six outings.
Jiwen Sinuto led Arellano with 10 points.
