The Golden Spikers appeared to be in control after taking a 2-0 set lead, but they let their advantage slip as the Altas fought back to level the match.
UST, however, managed to regroup and deliver a strong performance in Set 5, using a powerful 7-2 run to seal the win and claim its second consecutive victory after a pair of earlier setbacks in the pre-season tournament.
UST head coach Benjamin Mape noted the team’s initial overconfidence and subsequent recovery, saying: “Yung mga bata, nung nakuha namin yung first two sets, medyo nagkakaroon ng kumpyansa. Good thing na-regain nila yung composure nila nung fifth set.”
The match took a dramatic turn when UST’s Gboy de Vega collided with Perpetual’s setter Klint Mateo, who fainted shortly after the incident and had to be stretchered out of the arena.
Despite this unsettling moment, UST maintained its focus and finished strong to win the two-hour, 17-minute contest.
The Golden Spikers, who had trailed by as many as eight points in the fourth set (13-21), managed to close the gap to 22-23 before the Altas secured the set to force a decider.
The win evened UST’s record at 2-2, placing the España-based squad in a tie for fourth with Perpetual Help.
“Yung weaknesses namin, kailangan mapagaralan namin, at the same time, yung strengths namin dapat mas maintensify pa namin, at yung weakness ng kalaban dapat mapinpoint namin para matalo namin yung kalaban namin,” added Mape.
UST will aim for its third consecutive win against Colegio de San Juan de Letran on Aug. 28 at 12 noon.
Kobe Tabuga led Perpetual Help with 18 points from 15 attacks, two blocks and an ace, while Jeff Marapoc contributed 15 points.
The Altas will look to rebound against the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals on Wednesday at 2 p.m.
