National University Nazareth School and Far Eastern University-Diliman clinched the first two spots in the UAAP Season 88 High School Boys’ Volleyball Final Four after scoring similar routs over University of the Philippines Integrated School and Ateneo High School, respectively, on Thursday at the FEU Diliman Gym in Quezon City.
The Bullpups stayed on top at 10-1, making quick work of the Fighting Maroons, 25-12, 25-10, 25-11. Christian Maghanoy spearheaded the attack with 13 points built on nine kills and four blocks.
Showcasing their depth, NUNS fielded all 16 players on the roster, with all but two entering the scoring column.
Clarenz Altoveros nailed his lone point of the match off a clean dish from captain Brylle Crespo — a hit that formally booked the Bullpups’ 10th straight semifinals appearance, dating back to Season 77 when FEU-D last expanded the field to seven teams.
“Meron kasi kaming motto, na parang sabi nga ni sir Hans Sy, ‘stay hungry.’ Kita mo nga ‘pag naglaro ‘yang mga ‘yan parang gutom na gutom,” said long-time mentor Edgar Barroga on what keeps the Bullpups Final Four contenders year after year.
“’Yun lang siguro ‘yung ilalagay namin sa sarili namin na ‘yung laro namin lagi is parang championship.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The Baby Tamaraws, meanwhile, punched their return ticket to the semifinals after cruising past a gritty Ateneo side, 25-9, 25-15, 25-16.
Tyler Ramos powered FEU-D with nine points, eight coming off attacks.
With Ateneo threatening to steal just its second set win of the season in the third frame, setter Karch Dwayne Carolino leaned on the steady arm of Ramos to finish the match in just 55 minutes before the FEU home crowd.
Missing the Final Four last season after a heartbreaking four-set playoff loss to Adamson, FEU-D head coach Rene Dulay said hunger and determination fueled their strong bounce-back campaign.
“Actually, talagang nag-prepare kami for this season. The boys were really hungry para mapasok uli sa Finals. Right now, we’re trying our best para makarating naman do’n, kaya lang nga sabi ko sa mga boys na huwag silang magpakampante, kundi mag-drive pa tayo lalo, dapat tayong mag-practice pa,” said Dulay, who also serves as the FEU men’s team lead assistant coach.
Opposite hitter Xandrex Ragusta backed Maghanoy with 10 points on seven attacks and three blocks. Captain Brylle Crespo tallied 13 excellent sets in two frames, while liberos Geoff Deniega and Joem Favila delivered eight excellent receptions apiece.
Justin Jusayan stood out for UPIS with 14 points and 11 excellent receptions as the Fighting Maroons absorbed their 10th defeat against a single win.
For FEU-D, Edrielle Manlapaz and Axel Terreng chipped in eight points each, while setter-captain Brix Landicho orchestrated the offense with 10 excellent sets.
Ranidel De Ocampo and Ethan Rivera kept Ateneo competitive with six and five points, respectively, though the Blue Eagles remained winless after 11 outings.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
NUNS and FEU-D also secured Final Four berths after third-running University of the East outlasted Adamson University in five sets, 25-12, 22-25, 25-27, 25-16, 18-16, earlier in the day.
The Junior Red Warriors improved to 8-3, tightening their hold on third place and moving closer to joining the two squads in the semifinals picture.
Meanwhile, the Baby Falcons slipped to 5-6, falling two matches behind University of Santo Tomas in the tight chase for the remaining two Final Four slots.
Paul Roque powered UE with 22 points, delivering in the pivotal fourth and fifth sets, including back-to-back kills to end the one-hour, 46-minute thriller. Middle blocker and captain Clarence Gianan added 16 points, while Emman Marcelino chipped in 13.
James Bernabe carried Adamson with 19 points on 18 kills and an ace, while Janus Bejar and Kirk Partosa tallied 16 and 14, respectively. Last year’s Best Libero, Jhon Guevarra, again proved his value with 13 digs and a stellar 34 excellent receptions.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
UST widened its cushion in the standings and the Final Four race, improving to 7-4 after opening the day with a 25-15, 25-22, 25-17 sweep of De La Salle Zobel.
Karl Escobal led all scorers with 11 points and four digs, rewarding setter Chester Esteban’s steady play in distributing the offense.
Esteban tossed with 24 excellent sets, while libero Andrei Amaneo produced five digs and nine excellent receptions.
The win also put up a three-match advantage over their victims, Junior Green Spikers.
DLSZ slipped to 4-7, despite the consistent, 12-point outing from Andrei Montillano and the almost double-double performance of six digs and nine excellent receptions from Juan Papa.
