The UST Golden Spikers. UAAP Media

MANILA -- University of Santo Tomas made quick work of Adamson University, 25-12, 25-18, 25-18, to force a three-way tie for third place in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.

With the Golden Spikers’ sweep of the Soaring Falcons, coupled with the De La Salle University Green Spikers’ five-set heist over the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles earlier in the day, UST, La Salle, and Ateneo are now tied for third place with identical 6-4 win-loss records.

The win also propelled UST to its sixth consecutive win against Adamson since the first round of Season 85 in 2023. They reaffirmed their dominance over the Soaring Falcons after winning in their first-round encounter on March 1.

“I think the team is responding well with the instructions… They followed the game plan, maganda yung execution namin. Merong lapses, pero it’s part of the match pa rin ‘eh,” Golden Spikers head coach Odjie Mamon said.

READ: UAAP: No sweep in men's volley as NU stuns FEU in 5 sets

“I think all my emotions were being utilized dito. Hindi pa ganoon ka-seryoso yung mga players minsan ‘eh, they do not realize what’s important at this stage. Kailangan lang namin idiin pa kung ano yung pangangailangan pa nila na adjustments,” he added.

Eager to send the match into a fourth set, the Soaring Falcons raced to an early 11-13 third frame lead, but a combination play from JJ Macam and two consecutive crosscourt hits from two-time UAAP MVP Josh Ybañez fueled the Golden Spikers’ 8-2 surge to build a 19-15 cushion.

An off-the-block hit from Ybañez, an Adamson rotation fault, a quick attack from Poy Colinares, and a block and crosscourt hit from Macam sealed UST’s sixth win in ten outings in just one hour and 11 minutes.

READ: UAAP: UST overcomes La Salle in men’s volley to halt 3-game skid

In similar fashion, the Soaring Falcons remained within striking distance at 16-12 in the second set, but the Golden Spikers uncorked a 7-2 run -- powered by an off-the-block attack and block from Jayrack de la Noche, a quick hit from Poy Colinares, and two straight backrow attacks from Ybañez and Macam -- to take a 2-0 set advantage.

Right out the gate, UST displayed its dominance over Adamson, sending the Soaring Falcons to a commanding 20-8 hole en route to swiftly taking the opening set. Out of 12 Adamson points in the first frame, eight came from UST’s errors.

The Golden Spikers limited their errors to only 24, while also holding the Soaring Falcons to an 18-of-91 attack efficiency in the process.

“Masaya ako kasi nanalo kami in straight sets. Hindi ko lang sure if nasunod yung game plan, pero masaya pa rin ako and with regards naman sa ranking, hindi muna namin masyado iniisip ‘yon. Mas nagpo-focus kami sa what’s important now,” Ybañez said.

Ybanez top-scored for the Golden Spikers with 13 points on 12 attacks and one block with nine excellent receptions, while Macam added 12 points on nine attacks, two blocks, and one ace with six excellent receptions.

READ: UAAP: Ateneo takes down Adamson for third straight win in men’s volley

Dela Noche tallied 11 points on nine attacks, one block, and one ace, while Colinares chipped in seven points on five attacks and two blocks.

Team captain Dux Yambao dished out 23 excellent sets with three points on two attacks and one ace, while starting libero Edriel Alabar contributed eight excellent receptions and seven excellent digs.

The Golden Spikers look to boost their Final Four aspirations against the Blue Eagles on Saturday, April 5, at the same venue.

Meanwhile, the Soaring Falcons were on their sixth loss in seven outings, dropping to a 2-8 record.

Jude Aguilar was limited to a season-low output of four points on a 3-of-24 attack clip. Ricardo Obeda also tallied four points in the losing effort, while Dan Gutierrez, Marc Paulino, and Joel Menor chipped in three points.

Adamson aims to rebound against defending champion National University on Sunday, April 6, also at the Cubao dome.