Reporting note: this article draws on tiebreakertimes.com.ph; LodiScore provides the summary and editorial framing.
Junior Golden Spikers Survive Adamson Scare to Reach 4-0
Ever had one of those days where your legs feel like lead, but you just have to find a way to get the job done? That was University of Santo Tomas on Thursday at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila. The Junior Golden Spikers were pushed to their limits by Adamson University before securing a grinding 19–25, 25–21, 25–23, 29–27 victory to stay spotless in the UAAP Season 89 High School Boys’ Volleyball Tournament.
UST found themselves trailing 10–13 early in the fourth set before Karl Escobal and substitute setter Jeff Abalos turned the tide. Abalos, a holdover from UST’s Season 87 title run, provided steady hands off the bench with 10 excellent sets and executed a timely 1–2 play to reach match point. Adamson's Lance Babon forced a deuce and dragged it to 27-all, but Escobal delivered consecutive kills to close it out. Escobal led the floor with 22 points (19 kills, three blocks), alongside 18 excellent receptions and five digs. Thirdy Domingo contributed 21 points on 18-of-35 spiking, while Bernard Capuno added six points and 11 excellent sets.
“Yun nga, nahirapan kami; medyo nawala kami sa sistema namin,” said UST head coach Aying Esteban. “Siguro, may factor din na may exam ‘yung ibang mga bata. Factor rin siguro na ‘yung katawan nila, ‘yung utak nila, pagod. At least ginawan nila ng paraan manalo nitong araw na ‘to.”
FEU-Diliman Routs Ateneo in Straight Sets Sweep
While UST had to sweat it out, Far Eastern University–Diliman enjoyed a much smoother afternoon. Riding high from their weekend win against National University Nazareth School, the Baby Tamaraws dismantled Ateneo de Manila University, 25–8, 25–15, 25–8, to match UST at the top of the standings.
FEU-D head coach Rene Dulay cleared his bench, and every single spiker who touched the floor scored. Season 87 Rookie of the Year Kenneth Maliwanag paced the offense with nine points in just two sets of action. Middle blocker Jude Abes chipped in seven points, Ahmad Korooshavi contributed six markers, and Sam Hopkins added five spikes.
“Pinakamalaking impact talaga dito is ‘yung previous game namin, talagang parang binaon namin. That’s why talagang dominated namin today,” Dulay noted. “Mina-mindset namin is on recovery muna, then we have to prepare sa mga upcoming games natin.”
NUNS and UE Secure Sweeps to Rebound
In the opening matches of the day, National University Nazareth School and University of the East both returned to the win column with three-set victories.
The NUNS Bullpups held off a stubborn University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) squad, 25–17, 26–24, 25–17, improving to a 2–2 record. After UPIS tied the second set at 24-all behind Season 88 Rookies of the Year Justin Jusayan (18 points) and Prince Jimenez (11 points), NUNS scored two straight to prevent a setback. Vince Panilawon led NUNS with nine points, including five blocks, while Clarenz Altoveros anchored the back row with an 81 percent reception efficiency on 17 receptions.
Meanwhile, the UE Junior Warriors swept De La Salle Santiago Zobel School (DLSZ), 25–13, 26–24, 25–15. Despite lingering passing issues, UE setter Mharl Dullete orchestrated the offense with 19 excellent sets, firing seven service aces to finish with 11 points. Outside hitter Jack Prade converted 13 kills and a block to lead all scorers with 14 points.
What to Watch Next in UAAP Boys' Volleyball
The action resumes immediately on Friday at the Paco Arena as teams wrap up back-to-back fixtures:
- Adamson University vs. UPIS: Both holding 1–2 records, the Baby Falcons and Fighting Maroons clash at 11:00 a.m. looking to stay in upper-bracket contention.
- DLSZ vs. Ateneo: Both winless at 0–3, the Junior Green Spikers and Blue Eagles battle later in the day for their first victory of Season 89.
