MANILA – University of Santo Tomas outplayed University of the East, 25-17, 25-18, 25-19, to notch its first win in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Saturday.

Jan Julian Macam led UST with 14 points off 12 attacks and two blocks, followed by Edlyn Paul Colinares with 12 points, including three blocks and one ace.

Jay Rack de la Noche also scored 12 points while Rey Miguel Dela Vega added 10 points.

The absence of reigning Most Valuable Player Josh Ybañez was hardly felt as the Golden Spikers disposed of the Red Warriors in just one hour and 13 minutes

Ybañez, who twisted his right ankle in UST’s four-set loss to Far Eastern University last weekend, was at the venue and walked with the aid of crutches.

“I stand by my statement that I have the best lineup this season. Anyone can step up for us. I’m happy they bounced back from our previous loss. I’m very satisfied with today’s performance,” UST coach Odjie Mamon said after the match.

UST's next game will be against De La Salle University at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay on Feb. 26.

Roy Gabriel Pio delivered 13 points off 11 attacks and two blocks for UE, which took its ninth straight loss dating back to Season 86.

UE's last victory was against University of the Philippines on March 17, 2024.

Meanwhile, UST banked on Regina Jurado and Season 86 Rookie of the Year Angge Poyos to beat UE, 28-26, 22-25, 25-23, 25-15, in the women's division.

Jurado finished with 22 points off 18 attacks, two blocks and two aces, while Poyos chipped in 21 points off 14 attacks, four blocks and three aces.

“A win is a win. We saw the lapses and we will work on them. There are many lapses that need polishing for our game on Wednesday [against La Salle]," assistant coach Yani Fernandez said in the post-game interview.

She took over head coach Kungfu Reyes, who had to leave for Passi, Iloilo to assist Chery Tiggo in the Premier Volleyball League against Choco Mucho.

Marga Altea scored 10 points off six attacks, three blocks, and an ace; Pia Abbu had eight points; Cassie Carballo made 19 excellent sets; and team captain Detdet Pepito had 16 excellent digs and 14 excellent receptions for the Golden Tigresses, who secured their first win in two matches.

Khy Cepada led UE with 20 points off 16 attacks and four aces; Van Bangayan had 12 points off 10 attacks and two aces; Bea Zamudio added 11 points from eight attacks and three aces; and Riza Nogales scored seven points. (PNA)