Reporting note: this article draws on tiebreakertimes.com.ph; LodiScore provides the summary and editorial framing.
Unbeaten Leaders Tighten Grip on Top Seeds
Far Eastern University–Diliman and University of Santo Tomas preserved their spotless records in the UAAP Season 89 High School Boys’ Volleyball Tournament, each securing straight-set victories on Sunday at the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City. Both programs improved to 5-0, consolidating their positions at the summit of the league table as the tournament moves deeper into the preliminary round.
For FEU-Diliman, the 25–14, 25–23, 25–16 sweep against Adamson University served as measurable redemption. Last season, the Baby Falcons denied the Baby Tamaraws a twice-to-beat semifinal bonus, a historical detail that head coach Rene Dulay emphasized to his squad prior to first serve.
“We prepared talaga para dito sa match na ‘to kasi if you recall last year, sila ‘yung nagpa-out sa ‘min for the twice-to-beat eh. I told the boys na baka this is the time na huwag naman tayong magbigay. Kasi, it’s a must na kailangan naming mag-ipon ng panalo,” said Dulay.
Tactical Execution and Net Defense Anchor Baby Tamaraws
The statistical profile of FEU-Diliman’s victory reflected balanced distribution and elite net protection. Middle blocker Kenneth Maliwanag paced the Baby Tamaraws with 15 points, registering seven attacks, six blocks, and two aces. Ahmad Korooshavi added nine points, while Jude Abes finished with eight.
Floor defense and playmaking efficiency provided the foundation for FEU-Diliman’s 29 total kills. Libero Sam Coronel recorded 19 excellent receptions at a 62 percent efficiency rating, allowing setter Karch Carolino to distribute 17 excellent sets. Adamson slipped to a 2–3 win-loss record despite James Bernabe’s 13-point outing and team captain Lance Babon’s 11-point contribution.
UST Demonstrates Roster Depth in Dominant Sweep
Matching FEU-Diliman at 5-0, University of Santo Tomas systematically dismantled De La Salle Santiago Zobel School in a 25–11, 25–11, 25–17 decision. Head coach Aying Esteban utilized the fixture to enforce tactical discipline following a demanding outing in their previous match against Adamson.
“Iba rin talaga nung nakalaban namin ‘yung Adamson. Ang ganda ng ginalaw ni Adamson... Pero siyempre, naging lesson sa mga players namin na hindi puwedeng basta-basta lang. At least nakita ng mga players na hindi dapat ganoon ang mangyari, hindi pala dapat easy-easy lang ang laro; dapat stay focused pa rin,” Esteban noted.
Reigning UAAP Season 88 Beach Volleyball MVP Karl Escobal led the Junior Golden Spikers with nine points, executing attacks at a clinical 62 percent clip alongside one service ace. UST converted 43 percent of their team spike attempts, rotating three setters across the match: Chester Esteban generated six excellent sets in the opening frame, Jeff Abalos distributed five in the second, and Miguel Panganiban recorded seven in the third. DLSZ dropped to 1–4, tied for sixth place, with Brett Urriquia and Kooper Arguelles scoring six points apiece.
Mid-Table Shifts: UE and NUNS Secure Crucial 3-2 Marks
In other Sunday fixtures, defending champion University of the East and National University Nazareth School each recorded their second straight victories to improve to identical 3–2 standings, strengthening their qualification prospects for the Final Four.
- UE def. UPIS (25–19, 25–17, 25–13): Prince Padrones produced eight kills and three blocks, while captain Mharl Dullete directed the offense with 20 excellent sets and added six points. Prince Jimenez led UPIS, who dropped to 1–4.
- NUNS def. Ateneo (25–7, 25–18, 25–3): The Bullpups dominated the net with 11 team blocks, led by captain Ronnie Millan’s three blocks. Kiel Biscocho chipped in seven points on 13 attempts. Ateneo fell to 0–5 on the season.
