Golden Spikers complete UAAP men's volleyball semis cast

MANILA, Philippines -- The Final Four is set.

The University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers clinched the last Final Four spot of the UAAP men's volleyball tournament after clawing the University of the East Red Warriors, 25-15, 25-21, 25-16, Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With the loss of the Ateneo Blue Eagles against the La Salle Green Spikers in the second game, UST was able to punch their ticket to the semifinals as they reached an 8-5 win-loss record.

Josh Ybanez finished with 18 points off 17 attacks and a service ace. Paul Colinares and Sherwin Umandal added 12 and 11, respectively.

It was an easy win for UST, as they manhandled the hapless Red Warriors in one hour and 20 minutes.

In the third set, the Golden Spikers did not give an inch to UE, going up by nine, 22-13, late thanks to a tip by Ybanez.

This was enough separation as a down-the-line hit by Emman Dedoroy ended the match, 25-16.

Dux Yambao was the steady hand on UST's offense, recording 15 excellent sets.

Tebs Aligayon and Angelo Reyes added eight markers apiece for the already-ran Red Warriors, who lost their sixth straight game and crashed to 1-12.

In the second game, La Salle booted Ateneo out of the semifinals contention after a tight four-set affair, 25-21, 23-25, 26-24, 25-19.

After trading in the first two sets, La Salle was able to go up two to one after breaking a 24-all deadlock in the third set.

A kill by Noel Kampton and an attack error by Jeric Sendon gave them the advantage.

In the fourth set, the Green Spikers went up by five, 23-18, late.

JM Ronquillo wrapped up the match with a service ace, as the Blue Eagles kissed their Final Four hopes goodbye.

Vince Maglinao led La Salle with 19 markers, while Kampton and Ronquillo added 15 apiece.

Jian Salarzon spearheaded Ateneo with 23 points.

La Salle strengthened its bid for the twice-to-beat advantage with a 10-3 slate, while the Blue Eagles dropped to 6-7.