Manila — The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigers claimed their third consecutive win in the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge, overcoming Colegio de San Juan de Letran in a four-set match, 25-23, 25-12, 20-25, 25-18, at Paco Arena on Wednesday.
According to Philippines News Agency, UST’s performance was bolstered by rookie spiker Al-Bukharie Sali and middle blocker Trevor Valera, who each scored 14 points. Sali, standing at 6-foot-5, made significant contributions with 13 attacks, while Valera dominated defensively with six blocks. Edlyn Paul Colinares added 13 points, which included three aces and a block, helping UST secure a 3-2 record and a tie with National University for third place in the league standings.
UST’s head coach Odjie Mamon expressed mixed feelings about the team’s performance, noting areas for improvement despite the win. “Not the things I wanted to see. I have two days to review and make them focus again on what I’m trying to teach them,” Mamon stated after the match, which lasted one hour and 52 minutes. Looking ahead, UST is set to face the winless Emilio Aguinaldo College on Sunday.
On the opposing side, Vince Virrey Himzon, the 2023 Spikers’ Turf Invitationals MVP, led Letran with 16 points, primarily from attacks. Supporting efforts came from Steven Sta. Maria and John Derrick Bautista, who each contributed seven points. Despite these efforts, the Knights fell to a 2-3 record, placing them sixth in the league. Bautista also excelled defensively, making 13 excellent receptions, while John Wayne Arano added 13 excellent digs.
Letran is scheduled to face Far Eastern University in their next match, also on Sunday.