MANILA – The University of Santo Tomas (UST) outplayed De La Salle University, 25-21, 25-20, 25-16, to notch its second straight victory in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday.

Paul Colinares scored 17 points off 11 attacks, five blocks, and an ace for the Golden Spikers, who are still missing the services of two-time MVP Josh Ybañez due to a Grade 2 ankle sprain.

Jayrack Dela Noche contributed 12 points while JJ Macam had 10 points and 13 excellent receptions for UST, which joined National University and Ateneo de Manila University in second place at 2-1.

“The whole team is happy because even though Josh is not in the lineup, we are still intact as a team. So, no matter who we lose from our lineup, no matter who you put in there, we are sure that they will perform because every player is so confident now," Colinares said.

The win was UST’s first over La Salle since a four-set triumph in the second round of Season 85 on April 2, 2023.

“The result speaks for itself when it comes to our depth. Apart from that, it was our preparation as well, so yesterday, they were in a good mood. Until now, they have been able to extend the good vibes on the court and they can play easily," commented UST head coach Odjie Mamon.

Season 86 beach volleyball MVP Alche Gupiteo contributed seven points while skipper Dux Yambao tossed 19 excellent sets in the one-hour-and-11-minute match.

Noel Kampton, MJ Fortuna, Emman Fernandez, and Eric Layug scored six points each for La Salle (1-2).

In the other game, Adamson University prevailed over the University of the East, 27-29, 25-23, 25-20, 25-17.

Jude Aguilar scored 17 points on 14 attacks and three blocks while Leo Coguimbal delivered 16 points off eight blocks, six attacks, and two aces as the Falcons snapped an eight-game slump.

Adamson last won on March 23, 2024 in the second round of Season 86, also against UE.

“I am happy with my first win as head coach of Adamson. It's worth the lesson we learned from what we did to the enemy," mentor Raffy Mosuela said.

“In the first set, it was automatic and I could see in the result that there were a lot of unforced errors. It took a while (for) the players to warm up so in the second set, they realized that the reason we lost was because of our errors. The opponent didn't really score."

Steve Aligayon had 23 points on 20 attacks, two blocks, and one ace with six excellent digs, while Roy Piojo added 17 points for the Red Warriors, who took their third straight loss. (PNA)