RTU nips FEU, targets 3rd place finish in V-League men’s tiff

Games on Sunday

(The Arena, San Juan)

12:45 p.m. – IEM vs Systema (men's final)

2:45 p.m – Cagayan Valley vs Army (women's final)

MANILA, Philippines – Rizal Technological University downed Far Eastern University, 36-34, 25-19, 25-22, Thursday to stay in the hunt for third place in the men's division of the Shakey's V-League Season 11-Third Conference at The Arena in San Juan City.

Jaidal Abdul Majid paced the Blue Thunder with 15 hits – 11 on kills, two on blocks and two on service aces – while Carlo Sebastian and Sabtal Abdul scattered 13 and 11, respectively, to knot their series at one match apiece.

RTU could clinch third place if Systema sweeps Instituto Estetico Manila in Game Two on Sunday.

But if Instituto wins and forces a deciding Game Three, RTU and FEU, which seized their series opener, 30-28, 21-25, 25-16, 25-23, last Tuesday, will also play a decider tentatively set on Tuesday at the same venue.

Greg Dolor led the Tams with 14 hits while Jeric Gacutan and Joshua Barrica chipped in 10 each.

FEU though didn't have enough to fend off the RTU juggernaut in the second and third sets that turned the tide in the latter's favor.

RTU coach George Pascua said the key was playing relaxed.

"The boys were a little pressured in Game One so I told them to relax," said Pascua.