The University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers extended their winning streak in the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge, dominating the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals in straight sets, 25-18, 25-17, 25-19, at the Paco Arena in Manila on Sunday.
Paul Colinares was a force at the net, contributing 11 points, including six blocks, to lead three UST players who scored in double digits. The Golden Spikers, after an initial pair of losses, have now strung together four consecutive victories, bringing them within one win of securing a semifinal spot in the eight-team pre-season tournament organized by Sports Vision.
With the victory, UST claimed solo third place with a 4-2 record, trailing only joint leaders Far Eastern University and De La Salle University, both holding 4-1 slates.
Despite the team’s hot streak, UST head coach Odjie Mamon expressed that their current form still doesn’t align with the system he aims to establish. He pointed out the team’s 28 errors in the one-hour, 10-minute match as a key area for improvement.
“We will play according to our needs. So ang priority muna namin is to build our team moving forward,” said Mamon.
Rookie JJ Macam added two crucial points late in the match, while Karbe Malabunga’s quick hit sealed the sweep over the Generals.
EAC, which dropped to a 1-5 record, had its only victory against Perpetual Help last week.
UST will conclude their elimination round on Sept. 11, facing Ateneo de Manila University at 12 p.m.
Jan Abor, who starred in EAC’s surprise win over Perpetual, led the Generals with 11 points but lacked the necessary support from his teammates. The Generals will next take on the FEU Tamaraws on Sept. 8 at 3 p.m.
