Coach in Japan? Not an issue for UST.
Final Four slot secured.
The University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers deliver the lone sweep among Saturday's matches in UAAP Season 85, beating the Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles, 25-23, 25-19, 25-21, in the men's volleyball tournament.
The victory in PhilSports Arena does not only clinch a postseason seat for UST, but it also solidifies their hold on the second spot as they improve to a 10-1 record, right behind the National University Bulldogs' spotless 10-0 card, and ahead of the Far Eastern University Tamaraws' 6-4 slate.
UST secured the playoffs slot even without the physical presence of coach Odjie Mamon and star opposite hitter Jay Rack De La Noche, who are fulfilling national team duties in preparation for the Southeast Asian Games.
Mamon, however, made sure to still look after his boys.
"Kahit wala 'yung head coach sa bansa, 'yung supervision niya andun pa rin. Even during the game, nagbibigay siya ng comment and adjustment," assistant coach Benjamin Mape told the media after the match.
The Golden Spikers also effectively swept the Blue Eagles after they nailed a four-set win over the Katipunan-based squad in Round 1.
Gboy De Vega was one of three UST spikers who scored in double digits, delivering 12 points from 9 attacks, 2 blocks, and an ace.
High-flying rookie Josh Ybañez dropped 15, while Rainier Flor pitched 13 points for the Golden Spikers, who also drew confidence from the fans in the arena.
"How long has it been since last kami naglaro ng ganito karaming fans?" De Vega noted.
"Ngayon nakabalik ang UST men's volleyball team sa posisyon na 'to [Final Four], nakaka-proud kasi 'yung mga pinaghirapan at pinagsisipagan namin nagbubunga naman po," he added.
UST last reached the Final Four in Season 80, before falling in the semifinals to eventual champions National University.
But the path to secure the second seed will not be easy, as they will next face FEU, NU, and the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons—who just snatched their first victory in five sets.
UST might also have to compete in the Final Four without De La Noche, who could be suiting up in the SEA Games next month if he makes it to the final lineup.
But they're not too worried as they look to their deep bench.
"May dalawang wing spikers na na-activate na," Mape said. "Mas maganda preparation kasi maraming bata na pwedeng mabunot."
(With reports from Rainier Mira, One Sports Digital)