The UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Beach Volleyball Tournament wrapped up the final spots in the Final Four on Saturday at Sands SM By The Bay, with the University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, and Far Eastern University punching their tickets.
In a do-or-die matchup for the last women’s Final Four berth, Jum Gayo and Kryssia Ornos outlasted Ateneo’s Gry Matibag and Liz Lomocso, 21-9, 9-21, 15-8, to secure fourth place.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
In the men’s division, FEU claimed the third Final Four spot after Christian Salboro and Reynan Postorioso toppled UP’s Angelo Lipata and John Torotoro, 17-21, 21-11, 15-10.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Ateneo secured the final berth as Jian Salarzon and Amil Pacinio dominated UE’s Allen Buensalida and Julian Celestial, 21-13, 21-9.
Both Ateneo and FEU finished with 4-3 records, but the Tamaraws defeated the Blue Eagles in their elimination round matchup last November 22, 17-21, 21-16, 15-13.
Meanwhile, the University of Santo Tomas completed seven-match sweeps in both divisions.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
In the women’s division, Sofiah Pagara and Khy Progella overpowered National University’s Honey Grace Cordero and Kat Epa, 21-14, 21-6.
The Tiger Sands broke away from a 3-3 deadlock in the second set, scoring 18 of the match’s final 21 points to reclaim the crown they surrendered last year. UST will face No. 4 UP in the semifinals.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
On the other hand, former MVPs Alche Gupiteo and Dom Gabito edged NU’s Alex Iraya and Sky Gemarino, 18-21, 21-17, 15-12, completing a flawless 7-0 sweep in the men’s side.
Far Eastern University claimed third place in the women’s division as Melody Pons and Lovely Lopez dispatched Adamson University’s Shai Nitura and Lana Barrera, 21-12, 21-16.
The Lady Bulldogs finished with a 6-1 record, the Lady Tamaraws 5-2, and the Fighting Maroons 4-3. Ateneo ended fifth at 3-4, while the Lady Falcons slipped to sixth at 2-5.
In the men’s semifinals, FEU will face NU at 8:45 a.m., while Ateneo meets UST at 8 a.m. The one-match championship is scheduled for 3:30 p.m., with the third-place match at 2 p.m.
The women’s semifinals start at 9:30 a.m., with the third-place match at 2:45 p.m. and the championship set for 4:15 p.m.
De La Salle’s Mica Buis and Sophia Sindayen ended their eliminations campaign with a 21-12, 21-13 win over UE’s Van Bangayan and Smile Iquio.
Adamson, despite a valiant effort, missed out on the Final Four as Iverson Tan and Willie Hitones edged De La Salle’s Von Marata and Andre Espejo, 16-21, 21-18, 21-19, to finish fifth at 3-4.
UE’s women’s and men’s teams went winless in seven matches. – TJ
