MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion University of Santo Tomas notched its second straight win via a 25-8, 25-15, 23-25, 25-20 dispatching of University of the East yesterday in the UAAP Season 73 men’s volleyball tournament at the Arena.
The four-peat-seeking Tigers drew heavy offensive from John Paul Torres (23 points) and Salvador Juan Depante (20), whose combined 30 kills were even higher than the total attack output of the entire Warriors (29).
Torres, who also scored six markers off blocks, and Depante, who likewise had two aces, were backed up by Jayson Ramos (11) and Season 72 Finals MVP Henry James Pecana (10) as the Tigers tied idle La Salle (2-0) at second spot behind Far Eastern U’s 3-0.
Homer Laurente and Angelone Soria piled up 14 and 13 markers, respectively, for UE, which remained in the cellar after absorbing its third consecutive setback.
In the other game, Ateneo finally entered the win column at the expense of Adamson, 25-17, 22-25, 26-24, 25-20.
Duane Craig Teves made 17 markers for the Blue Eagles, who improved to 1-2 and spoiled the 21-point production of AdU’s Ron Jay Galang.
The Soaring Falcons slipped to an even 1-1.