UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas overcame a sluggish start to post its second straight win in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, a 20-25, 25-17, 25-18, 25-21 decision over Colegio de San Juan de Letran yesterday at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila.
Al BukharieSali sparkled for the Golden Spikers anew, leading their second-set resurgence and carrying the momentum into the next two frames. The opposite hitter finished with 21 points built on 16 attacks, two service aces, and three timely blocks.
“Letrankasi first runner-up ‘yan sa NCAA, ‘yungkondisyonnila is mabagal. Luckily, nungpahuli, sumabaynasila. Naka-recover naman kami,” said coach Benjamin Mape, who continues to call the shots in the absence of head coach OdjieMamon, still with Alas Pilipinas Men in their preparation for the World Championships.
With the score tied at 18 in the fourth set, UST unleashed a decisive 7-3 closing run, highlighted by a 5-0 stretch on the serve of JJ Macam.
After a service error ended Macam’s run and handed Letran a lifeline, the outside hitter quickly redeemed himself with a clutch attack to bring the Golden Spikers to match point.
The Knights saved two match points, but Sali sealed the deal with a powerful kill, ending the one-hour-and-39-minute battle.
Letran started strong, pouncing on UST’s service errors in the opening frame. The Knights controlled the game, with RomerSumagaysay delivering crucial points to secure the first set.
That, however, was their last stand, as the Golden Spikers responded with tight net defense and consistent execution, pulling away midway through the next two sets.
Sali and rookie middle blocker Sean Cruz each tallied three blocks, combining for all but two of UST’s six total rejections.
UST (2-0) will try to extend its winning streak when it faces De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde on Saturday at 3 p.m., still at the Paco Arena.
Letran (0-2) will aim to snap its skid against Arellano (0-2) on Sunday at 10 a.m.
