By: Justine Anne Gaerlan
University of the East extended its unbeaten run to four by sweeping UP Integrated School, 25-8, 25-10, 25-14, to maintain its position at the helm in the UAAP Season 86 Boys’ Volleyball Tournament on Saturday at the Adamson University Gym.
After getting thrashed in the first two sets, the Fighting Maroons were competitive in the third set until the Junior Warriors pulled away at 15-10.
UE continued to surge ahead, establishing an eight-point lead at 21-13, and scored four of its last five points, including an offspeed attack by Lance Flestado that secured the win.
Later in the day, Adamson University outlasted University of Santo Tomas, 22-25, 25-21, 23-25, 29-27, 15-12.
With Tommy Castrodes leading their offense, the Baby Falcons held an early lead in the deciding set at 8-3.
The Junior Golden Spikers kept the game close, but an attack by Brndy Clemente sent the Baby Falcons to match point.
Jims Ducusin then hammered a kill to secure the victory for Adamson.
The Baby Falcons secured their second straight win, rising to 3-1 for solo second, while both the Fighting Maroons and the Junior Golden Spikers are at 1-3, tied for sixth to seventh in the eight-team tournament.
In the sole girls’ game of the day, UST picked up its second straight win, 25-18, 25-13, 25-5, to keep UPIS winless.
The Junior Golden Tigresses improved to 2-1, tying the FEU Baby Lady Tamaraws at second, while the Fighting Maroons are at the bottom with a 0-3 record.
UST took a commanding 10-0 lead to begin the third set, remaining in control throughout and limiting the Fighting Maroons to only five points.
The España-based spikers scored six consecutive points, capped off by attacks from Avril Bron and Bien Arasan, giving them a dominant 25-5 closer.
