University of Santo Tomas clinched the second semifinal berth in the men’s division of the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, rallying past Far Eastern University in four sets, 19-25, 25-23, 25-15, 25-17, on Saturday at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.
The Golden Spikers improved to a 5-1 win-loss record, overcoming a shaky start with a strong fight-back in the second set before sealing the deal with a commanding finish in the fourth. With the victory, UST joined the De La Salle University Green Spikers in the Final Four ahead of their crucial showdown on October 1.
Al-Bukharie Sali powered UST with a game-high 29 points built on 26 attacks, two blocks, and one ace, while also collecting five digs in the one-hour-and-42-minute match. JJ Macam and GBoy De Vega chipped in 13 and 12 points, respectively, to provide support.
"Yung nagging diffence do'n, nung second set, is naglaro sila as a team. 'Yun ang importante; to play as a team kahit sinong makakalaban, hindi mahirap mabalikan," said UST assistant coach Benjamin Mape.
FEU started hot in the opening frame, with Dryx Saavedra and Mikko Espartero scoring heavily from the backrow. The Tamaraws’ fluid offense spilled over to the second set until UST finally found its rhythm from the service line.
Serving specialist Gab Hernandez, who rotated in for middle blockers Vyrin Catinsag and Trevor Valera, delivered tough serves that disrupted FEU’s reception. From there, the Tamaraws struggled to convert on offense, while the Golden Spikers capitalized with cleaner and more efficient attacks.
The highly anticipated duel between unbeaten De La Salle (5-0) and UST (5-1) is set for Wednesday, October 1, at 5 p.m., after a brief tournament break to accommodate the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Volleyball Championship.
"We'll use this game to motivate 'yung mga personal mindet nila na kaya naman nila kahit medyo malakas talaga mga nakakalaban namin ngayon. Basta maniwala lang kami sa program, sa play, sa instruction ng coaches, malalayo mararating namin," Mape added, referring to their upcoming clash with the Green Spikers.
Saavedra and Amet Bituin led the charge for FEU with 13 points apiece, while Vennie Ceballos anchored their defense with 22 excellent receptions in the losing effort.
The Tamaraws (3-2) will try to bounce back when they face De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (1-4) on Sunday at 5 p.m.
