The Varsitarian

Feb. 12, 3:16 p.m. - The UST Tiger Spikers swept a hapless National University squad in three sets, 25-17, 25-21, and 25-21, at The Arena in San Juan City today.

Salvador Depante led UST with 19 markers, including 15 attack points, while Mark Alfafara and Romnick Rico tossed in 12 and 10 points, respectively. Rueben Inaudito sizzled with 13 markers for the Bulldogs.

“Our reception and blocking went well. Our service attacks also gave NU a hard time,” head coach Emil Lontoc said. “We are ready for the semi-finals. Paghahandaan namin kung sino mang team ang lalaban sa amin. We will intimidate their attacks.”

UST, which clinched the second spot and a twice-to-beat advantage with an 11-3 win-loss card, will lock horns with Adamson University in the semi-finals.

The Tiger Spikers unleashed an early 4-0 salvo, punctuated by Alfafara’s middle spike for a 10-5 cushion in the last frame. However, the Bulldogs, led by Rueben Inaudito’s crosscourt kills, countered with a 7-1 blitz to tie the count at 13-apiece.Rico, however, unloaded two-straight quick attacks, allowing UST to close in on the victory with a 23-20 lead. Chenny V. Ramos