The Tigers fell to National University Bulldogs in straight sets, 23-25, 23-25, and 21-25.
The four Mindanao-based players in the team are Dux Yambao from Davao City, Josh Ybanez from General Santos City, Rayven Camerone Sison from Tagum City, and Kenneth Cawaling from Sultan Kudarat.
Thanks to a comeback by the Tiger Spikers in the third quarter led by Josh Ybaez, Gboy De Vega, Edlyn Colinares, and Charles Magpayo, the Bulldogs came dangerously close to blowing a significant 16-6 lead.
Kennry Malinis, on the other hand, scored on a hit to give NU a chance to win the match, but Nico Almendras served into the net, allowing UST a chance to do so.
After the Bulldogs defeated the Cignal HD Spikers in the most recent Spikers Turf, they won their second straight championship thanks to Malinis' breakout performance.
Late in the second frame, UST had a two-point advantage, but further mistakes allowed NU to equalize the score at 22 before Obed Mukaba put UST ahead with a drop jumper.
De Vega used a counterattack to tie the score again, but Mukaba did what he does best by controlling the middle and gave the Bulldogs a 2-0 set lead with back-to-back blocks.
Almendras, the tournament MVP, scored 12 points, while Malinis and Mukaba scored 12. Mukaba led the way with 14 points on eight attacks, five blocks, and an ace. Almendras also completed six digs and 21 excellent receptions.
With 15 points and 12 receptions, Ybaez led the Tiger Spikers, and De Vega had 14 points and 18 catches. (Romeo Braceros Jr.)
D'Artagnan Yambao