University of Santo Tomas made a strong statement in its bid to reclaim the girls’ crown as Cheng Dadang and Angelica Del Mar secured the first semifinal spot with dominant performances in the UAAP Season 88 High School Beach Volleyball Tournament at Sands SM By The Bay.
Dadang and Del Mar overpowered Ateneo’s Louise Atienza and Jelena Dait, 21-9, 21-6, in the morning session, then returned in the afternoon to rout University of the East’s Janella Mangahis and Nicole Agustin, 21-6, 21-3, finishing with a flawless 5-0 record.
Defending champion National University Nazareth School also edged closer to the Final Four with a 4-1 record.
Faith Mangyao and Alaiza Candelario defeated De La Salle-Zobel’s Aislinn Alemaña and Tessa Bonafe, 21-10, 21-16, before taking down Ateneo’s Atienza and Ainsly Santiago, 21-7, 21-10.
Adamson University’s Maegan Pineda and Ella Gonzalvo remained in third place at 3-1 after a convincing 21-7, 21-5 win over UE’s Mangahis and Agustin.
Far Eastern University-Diliman’s Franz Premaylon and Alexa Amana survived a thrilling three-set battle against UP Integrated School’s Anya Capus and Niña Abad, 19-21, 21-17, 15-13, resulting in a three-way tie for fourth place.
The Baby Tamaraws are now tied with the Fighting Maroons and the Junior Lady Spikers at 2-2, keeping their Final Four hopes alive.
Meanwhile, UST and NUNS secured the first two Final Four tickets after winning two more matches each to maintain perfect 5-0 records.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
UST’s Mark Bihag and JP Apidian defeated UPIS’ Marco Bamba and Prince Jimenez, 21-12, 21-11, and then UE’s Mharl Dullete and Cedie Camposano, 21-8, 21-12.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
NUNS’ Kian Tan and Ethan Jadraque overcame a tough second set from UE’s Dullete and Emman Marcelino, 21-16, 24-22, before closing the day with a 21-2, 21-8 dismantling of Ateneo’s Antonio Castillo and Ymanuel Cervantes.
The Junior Warriors dropped to 3-2 after going undefeated in the first two days.
Adamson’s Brice Malinao and James Bernabe defeated De La Salle-Zobel’s John Kooper Arguelles and Brett Urriquia, 21-16, 21-14, to bring their record to an even 2-2.
FEU-Diliman finally had a breakthrough as Sam Coronel and Kenneth Maliwanag subdued Ateneo’s Xavier Castillo and Cervantes, 21-14, 21-10. The Baby Tamaraws are now level with the Fighting Maroons and the Junior Green Spikers at 1-3. – TJ
