MANILA, Philippines - Unbeaten pacesetter Far Eastern University survived an erratic game as it turned back University of the Philippines, 14-25, 18-25, 26-24, 25-14, 15-9, yesterday in the UAAP Season 73 men’s volleyball tourney at The Arena in San Juan.
The Tams committed 41 errors against the Maroons’ 25 but made up for it by getting more points off blocks, 11 versus UP’s 4, and scoring seven aces against their rivals’ zero.
Karl Ian dela Calzada and Rodolfo Labrador Jr. put up 13 and 12 points, respectively, to lead FEU to its 12th straight triumph, just two shy of a sweep of the elims, and secured twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four.
The Maroons, who were led by Luis Antonio Aguilan’s 16, dropped to 7-6.
Also getting the semifinal incentive was defending champion University of Santo Tomas, which nosed out De La Salle University from the Final 4 bonus following a 24-26, 25-15, 25-11, 25-15 victory.
The Tigers leaned on their dominance off the net, getting 53 points in attacks against DLSU’s 35, to go 11-1 (win-loss). The Archers slipped to 8-5, making it impossible to catch up with UST and FEU in the race for the top two berths. -O. Leyba
entering the semis.
Salvador Juan Depante, Henry James Pecana and John Paul Torres had 13 markers apiece for UST, which is seeking its fourth straight crown.
Their female counterparts, meanwhile, boosted their quest for a twice-to-beat bonus after clubbing Adamson, 25-17, 25-20, 25-23.
Veteran Aiza Maizo had 15 hits while Judy Cabalejo also scored 15 as defending champion UST went 9-3 while sending the Lady Falcons down to 8-5.
The DLSU Lady Archers clinched the first semis incentive after posting their 11th win in 12 outings at the expense of Ateneo 25-18, 25-11, 25-12.
Ateneo dropped to 8-5.