In one of the tightest matches of the UAAP Season 81 Beach Volleyball Tournament so far, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws’ Jude Garcia and Kevin Hadlocon remained undefeated, surviving the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers’ Anthony Arbasto and Jaron Requinton (21-19, 21-18) at the Sands SM by the Bay.
Last season’s bronze medalists scored big plays towards the end of each set against last year’s runners-up. Garcia pulled through with a block to avoid a deuce in the first set, while Hadlocon managed a clutch defensive transition in the second set to seal the win.
The Tamaraws are now 3-0 and on top of the standings with wins against UST and defending champions National University Bulldogs. With a seemingly easier path to an elimination round sweep, the Tamaraws want to stay focused.
“Para sa aming dalawa, nakaka-boost sa amin ng morale yun, pero siyempre ‘di mo naman babasta bastahin yung ibang team kasi kalaban din sila,” said Garcia. “Bilog ang bola, kailangan pa namin pagbutihan.”
The Bulldogs’ Bryan Bagunas and James Natividad scored their second win of the tournament, thumping Ateneo Blue Eagles’ Kurt Aguilar and Abai Llenos (21-12, 21-15).
NU stayed on pace with fellow 2-1 teams Adamson’s Pao Pablico and Jesus Valdez, and University of the East’s Clifford Inoferio and Alven Aljas. Adamson defeated UE (21-15, 22-24, 16-14).
University of the Philippines’ Niccolo Consuelo and Mark Millete earned their first win against De La Salle University’s Gerian Bacon and Paul Serrano (23-21, 19-21, 15-12).
UAAP Season 81 Men’s Volleyball Standings
After Day 2
FEU 3-0
ADU 2-1
NU 2-1
UST 2-1
UE 2-1
UP 1-2
ADMU 0-3
DLSU 0-3
