FEU downs RTU, nears V-League 3rd place

Games Thursday

(The Arena, San Juan)

2 p.m. – RTU vs FEU (men's)

4 p.m. – PLDT vs Meralco (women's)

MANILA, Philippines – Far Eastern University took charge in the final two sets to pull off a 30-28, 21-25, 25-16, 25-23 victory over Rizal Technological University Tuesday to move a win away from clinching third place in the men's division of the Shakey's V-League Season 11-Third Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

Joshua Barrica and Greg Dolor went on a spiking spree as the two combined for 36 hits, including 31 on kills to help the Tams gain a 1-0 edge in their best-of-three showdown for third.

The Morayta-based spikers go for the jugular Thursday while the Blue Thunder hope to force a deciding Game Three set next week.

"We were a little quick to the draw in our attacks," said FEU coach Florentino "Kid" Santos in Filipino.

Jeric Gacutan and Lucky Margante scattered 12 and 10 hits, respectively, while Franco Camcam came in the last two sets to contribute nine, including three off service aces to help in the cause.

RTU appeared headed to taking the force set and forcing a decider after it raced to a 21-18 lead.

But a maze of errors had undone the Blue Thunder, including a faulty service by Abdul Jaidal that gave the Tams a 24-23 lead.

Camcam then unleashed the killer spike that sealed it.

"He stepped up big particularly in the last two sets," said Santos referring to Camcam.

Jaidal went on to pace RTU with 20 hits, 19 of which came off attacks, but couldn't get anything from the rest of his teammates.