Far Eastern University-Diliman and National University Nazareth School recorded contrasting wins to remain undefeated in four matches in the UAAP Season 88 High School Boys’ Volleyball Tournament on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.
Baby Tamaraw Tyler Ramos overcame an injury scare in the fourth set before teaming up with Kenneth Maliwanag to close out a 25-19, 25-21, 26-28, 25-21 victory over the Adamson University Baby Falcons in one hour and 41 minutes.
Meanwhile, Elmerson Lejano led the Bullpups’ dominant sweep of Ateneo, 25-13, 25-10, 25-8, in just over an hour.
The two squads are set to clash on Sunday at 11 a.m. for the solo lead in the standings.
Ramos extended FEU-Diliman’s lead to 18-13 with a booming left-side kill but landed awkwardly.
Fortunately, the outside hitter shrugged it off and helped his squad fend off Adamson’s late rally in the fourth set, finishing with 19 points, 17 coming from attacks.
Last year’s Rookie of the Year, Maliwanag, led all scorers with 21 points, including the match-winning spike, while setter and captain Brix Landicho contributed an impressive 31 excellent sets and six points, four of which came from blocks.
“Well, for me, it’s the eagerness to win. They are really hungry for the wins,” said Rene Dulay, who has taken over head coaching duties from long-time tactician RJ Del Rosario.
“Last year, they played kind of off, but now they’re playing with high intensity, especially in our last game against UST. Unexpectedly, but the boys right now really want to win more games.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Lejano reached double digits in NUNS’s quick work over Ateneo, finishing with 14 points—12 attacks, one block, and one service ace—while Al Raquib Dais added two of the team’s six blocks, effectively disrupting the Blue Eagles’ rhythm.
The Bullpups ended with 37 attacks, with setters Brylle Crespo and Haris Tuliao combining for 11 excellent sets.
In other matches, the University of the East and the University of Santo Tomas swept their respective opponents—University of the Philippines Integrated School and De La Salle Santiago Zobel School—to stay in step with the leaders.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Clarence Gianan paced the Junior Warriors with 12 points on 10 attacks, one block, and one service ace, while Paul Roque added 10 markers in UE’s 25-14, 25-17, 25-17 victory over the Junior Fighting Maroons.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Karl Escobal showcased his skill once again, helping the Junior Golden Spikers defeat the Junior Green Spikers, 25-12, 25-11, 25-20, with 12 points on nine spikes, one block, and two aces. Rainier Lorayes added six points along with two digs and three excellent receptions.
UE remained in solo third with a 3-1 win-loss record, while UST tied Adamson at 2-2.
UPIS and Ateneo are still winless after four matches.
