The Far Eastern University’s Jude Garcia and Kevin Hadlocon came one step closer to the UAAP Men’s Beach Volleyball tournament Finals at the Sands SM By the Bay.
The Tamaraws made short work of the winless De La Salle University’s Gerian Bacon and Paul Serrano (21-10, 21-11) to improve to a 6-0 card.
With a match against a fourth seed-seeking Ateneo’s Abai Llenos and Kurt Aguilar, Garcia and Hadlocon want to remain focused to clinch a Finals ticket.
“Sobrang importante po ‘yun kasi malapit na kami sa goal namin na makarating sa championship so pagtatrabahuhan namin,” said fourth year hitter Garcia. “Alam namin na lalaban ‘yun kasi Ateneo sila. Kailangan namin pag-igihan pa at pagtibayan pa lahat ng aspeto sa amin.”
Defending champs National University’s Bryan Bagunas and JM Natividad and last year’s runners-up University of Santo Tomas’ Jaron Requinton and Anthony Arbasto setup a duel for a twice-to-beat advantage.
The Bulldogs sliced through the University of the East’s Clifford Inoferio and Alven Aljas (21-16, 21-15), while the Tigers edged Adamson University’s Pao Pablico and Jesus Valdez (23-21, 21-15).
Both squads ended the day with similar 5-1 cards. The winner of their Friday meeting gains the second seed and a twice-to-beat incentive.
Ateneo, on the other hand, stayed alive with a crucial win over University of the Philippines’ Mac Millete and Niccolo Consuelo (21-16, 21-15).
Action resumes on Friday at the same venue.
UAAP Season 81 Men’s Beach Volleyball
Standings after Day 4
FEU 6-0
NU 5-1
UST 5-1
AdU 3-3
ADMU 2-4
UE 2-4
UP 1-5
DLSU 0-6
