The UST Golden Spikers celebrate a point against Cignal HD in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, November 12, 2025 at the Paco Arena in Manila. PVL Media
MANILA -- University of Santo Tomas survived an error-strewn performance to upset defending champion Cignal HD in the 2025 Spikers' Turf Invitational Conference, Wednesday night.
The Golden Spikers scored a 25-23, 22-25, 28-26, 25-20 victory over the Super Spikers at the Paco Arena, keeping them on track for a semifinal appearance in the tournament.
They got the job done despite committing a whopping 38 unforced errors against the veteran Cignal squad. UST is now at 4-1, putting them at solo second behind unbeaten Criss Cross.
Josh Ybañez was once again at the forefront for the Golden Spikers, putting up 24 points built on 19 attacks, three kill blocks, and two aces. He also contributed on defense with 17 excellent receptions and 11 digs.
JJ Macam and Al-Bukharie Sali provided steady support with 18 and 12 points, respectively, while Dux Yambao orchestrated the offense with 20 excellent sets and added eight points of his own. Edriel Alabar also shone on the defensive end, tallying 19 receptions and 11 digs.
Despite the win, head coach Odjie Mamon was quick to emphasize the need for consistency and discipline as the Golden Spikers continue their semis chase.
"Happy, but we still need to do a lot of consistency training because there are lots of errors. In the first three sets alone, I think we had 31 errors," said Mamon. "They know what’s at stake – if we win, we advance; if we lose, we face the consequences. Our goal is to reach the semifinals, so we need more wins."
UST-Gameville now turns its focus to league-leading Criss Cross on Friday at 1 p.m. at the same venue, where another win could formally seal their semis berth.
Meanwhile, Cignal, which also fell to Criss Cross last Nov. 2, slipped to 4-2, tying Savouge Aesthetics for third.
Louie Ramirez and team captain JP Bugaoan led the Super Spikers with 13 points apiece, while Jau Umandal added 11 markers for the Super Spikers, who will try to bounce back against Spin Doctors in the 6:30 p.m. nightcap on Friday.