University of Santo Tomas (UST) took out Ateneo de Manila University in straight sets, 25-19, 25-17, 25-19, to put its title quest in motion as the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge got going Saturday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.

After settling for back-to-back runner-up finishes in the V-League’s post-pandemic return and missing the podium last year, the Golden Spikers delivered a strong opening statement.

Despite Ateneo cutting the deficit to two, 15-17, in the third set following a JJ Macam attack error, UST closed strong with an 8-4 run. The Golden Spikers capitalized on both set plays and broken plays, with senior outside hitter GBoy de Vega sealing the win with the match-clinching point.

De Vega finished with 10 points, all off attacks, while fellow outside hitter Macam also tallied 10 points and added seven excellent receptions. Al Bukharie Sali led all scorers with 12 points.

“We had a great start in this tournament because our first-year players blended well in our system,” said assistant coach Benjamin Mape, who called the shots in the absence of head coach Odjie Mamon.

The match began as a back-and-forth affair, but UST pulled away behind the firepower of De Vega and Macam, building a 22-16 cushion. Middle blocker Trevor Valera added back-to-back points to bring UST to set point, and Sali secured the set with a decisive kill from the right wing.

Ateneo attempted to regroup in the second set by inserting University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 87 High School Boys’ Finals Most Valuable Player Pao Medino and opposite hitter Karl Reyes, and even rotated setters.