Far Eastern University-Diliman secured the top seed in the Final Four while defending champion National University-Nazareth School clinched the third spot in the last day of the UAAP Season 82 Boys’ Volleyball eliminations Saturday at the Paco Arena.
The Baby Tamaraws downed University of the East, 25-22, 32-30, 25-23, in a showdown of top two teams, while the Bullpups blew past Ateneo, 25-15, 25-13, 25-18.
Angelo Lipata paced FEU with 15 points on nine attacks and six blocks, Jelord Talisayan added 12 markers, 15 receptions, and nine digs while Rans Cajolo punched in 10 points.
In the other match, University of Santo Tomas dismantled De La Salle-Zobel, 25-20, 20-25, 25-15, 25-20, to forge a playoff with Adamson University for the remaining Final Four berth.
The Golden Tiger Cubs and the Baby Falcons will collide at 10 a.m. on Wednesday for the right to face the twice-to-beat Baby Tamaraws in the semis.
Trailing 11-17 in the third set, FEU uncorked a 14-7 run capped by Talisayan’s crosscourt kill to secure the straight-set win.
Francis Babon came through with 16 markers for the Junior Warriors, who finished with a 10-2 record in second place.
Michaelo Buddin and Arvin Bandola delivered nine points apiece as NU ended the eliminations at 7-5 and will face twice-to-beat UE in the Final Four.
“Nandoon pa rin yung attitude ng mg bata na pagdating sa crucial game, bumibigay, kaya naging strikto ako kanina for them to settle those situations and hopefully magawan pa ng paraan sa practice,” said Bullpups coach Edgar Barroga.
Rey De Vega led the Golden Tiger Cubs with 21 points on 14 spikes, four service aces, and three blocks, Jay Rack Dela Noche tallied 16 markers and 11 digs while Alexander Iraya had 13 points.
“Suyempre happy kami kasi buhay pa yung chances namin for a Final Four spot pero sa performance, medyo hindi ako satisfied, yung intensity hindi ko nakita. Aayusin namin yung passing at service namin kasi ang dami naming errors eh,” said assistant coach John Abella after UST tied Adamson University in fourth place at 6-6.
De La Salle-Zobel and Ateneo, meanwhile, wrapped up their season in joint sixth place with 1-11 cards.
