UST, FEU showdown set for UAAP men’s volleyball crown

The men’s volleyball finals in the 72nd UAAP season will be a repeat of the 2007 edition after top seed University of Santo Tomas and season host Far Eastern U dispatched separate rivals in the Final Four round Saturday at The Arena in San Juan City. UST, aiming to win its third straight title, made quick work of fourth ranked University of the Philippines, 25-, 25-19, 25-21 while second seed FEU recovered from an opening set loss to escape with an 18-25, 25-16, 25-22, 25-17 triumph over No. 3 Ateneo.

Hendry Pacana and Harby Ilano scored 12 points each to help the Tigers clinch a third straight finals appearance. John Paul Torres and Salvador Depante added 10 apiece also for UST, which is now in a good position of completing of winning a third consecutive and 16th overall men’s volleyball crown. “Ganito ang larong gusto kong ipakita nila. Pero alam ko meron pa silang mailalabas at sana pagdating ng finals maibigay nila lahat," said UST coach Emil Lontoc. No Fighting Maroon managed to score in double digits with Lloyd Arden Belgado ending up with eight markers. The Tigers will face the Tamaraws, which is the same team that they defeated to claim the 2007 crown. Nestor Molate starred for the FEU six as he finished with 16 hits, five blocks and two aces to book a finals seat and foil Ateneo’s upset bid. Joshua Alcarde added 14 points for the George Pascua-mentored Tamaraws. Andre John Pareja and Duane Craig Teves paced the Blue Eagles with 12 points each. – GMANews.TV