UAAP Final Four spots are locked up for University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University-Diliman in Season 89 high school boys' volleyball after both teams swept their Friday assignments at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.
The Junior Golden Spikers and the Baby Tamaraws stayed level at the top of the standings, while National University-Nazareth School and University of the East kept their own semifinal pushes moving.
UST rolls past UPIS to reach 10-1
UST returned to the win column in dominant fashion, sweeping University of the Philippines Integrated School, 25-14, 25-14, 25-13. The Junior Golden Spikers improved to 10-1 and remain tied for first place.
The spread was the story: five UST players scored at least six points. Jireh Torotoro led with 10 points on nine attacks and a block in a 52-minute match, Karl Escobal added eight, and Bernard Capuno, Markus Julian and Kirby Aguas chipped in six apiece.
Jefferson Abalos set the offense with 10 excellent sets, with Miguel Panganiban adding eight. Prince Jimenez and Justin Jusayan carried UPIS with nine points each, all from attacks, but the Junior Fighting Maroons dropped to 3-8, stayed sixth, and were officially eliminated from Final Four contention.
"Of course, we're very glad that our consistency improved with our entry into the Final Four. But of course, all teams are aiming for something — a big improvement because the recruits we brought in have already picked up the system, they already got what we want to happen. So that's a big factor, that's why we're moving better now unlike last year," said UST head coach Clarence Esteban.
Esteban was quick to pump the brakes on any celebration, saying the eliminations still have to be finished before his team looks ahead.
"But of course, it doesn't end there. There's still a next game we need to work hard for. But like I tell them, one step at a time. No hype about the Final Four for now. Let's finish the eliminations first, then we'll look at the Final Four," he added.
FEU-D sweeps DLSZ for fourth straight win
The Baby Tamaraws kept their share of the top spot, notching their fourth consecutive victory with a 25-16, 25-19, 25-15 sweep of De La Salle Zobel. Kenneth Maliwanag again led the way with 15 points on 12 attacks and three blocks in 58 minutes.
Tyler Ramos contributed 13 points on 11 attacks and two blocks, Karch Carolino ran the offense with 14 excellent sets, and Samuel Coronel anchored the floor defense with 25 excellent receptions. Brett Urriquia and Andrei Montillano scored nine apiece for DLSZ, which fell to 2-9, stayed seventh and saw its Final Four hopes end.
"First of all we thank the Lord because actually, we offered these games to Him… now with the whole team, I said, so many blessings are being given to us, why don't we give the match to Him too," said FEU-D head coach Rene Dulay.
Dulay pointed to last season as the lesson driving this run, when the Baby Tamaraws were close to a twice-to-beat edge and slipped to third. He said the team is now more thorough and more blessed, and hopes it does not repeat.
"So again, we've learned our lesson. Hopefully it won't happen again despite the things and the many struggles like that, the kids have injuries. Studies now, their exams are ongoing, but nevertheless, we'll try our best. But our mindset right now is to finish the second round with a good record. Now if we will be on top, thank you. If we don't end up on top, at least we did our best whatever our standing will be," he said.
NUNS and UE keep semifinal bids alive
NUNS outlasted Adamson University, 25-18, 30-32, 25-14, 25-21, for its third straight win and a share of third place. Al-Raquib Dais led with 16 points on 13 attacks, two blocks and an ace in a match that ran an hour and 38 minutes.
Ronnie Millan added 14 points, Allen Almodovar had 13 and Kiel Biscocho 12 as four Bullpups reached double digits. Lance Babon fought hard for Adamson with 23 points on 22 attacks and a block, and James Bernabe tallied 21, all from attacks, but the Baby Falcons stayed fifth at 5-6.
Defending champion UE, meanwhile, made quick work of Ateneo, 25-20, 25-18, 25-19. Nathan Evangelista led the Junior Warriors with 10 points on six attacks, three aces and a block in 56 minutes, Steven David backed him with nine, and Mharl Dullete and Khian Gorospe recorded eight excellent sets each.
Antonio Avendano paced Ateneo with nine points, all from attacks, as the Blue Eagles remained winless after 11 games.
Analysis: UAAP Final Four picture with two spots left
This part is assessment, not a result. The Bullpups and Junior Warriors are tied at 7-4, two games clear of fifth-running Adamson at 5-6, with two Final Four berths still up for grabs. That cushion matters, but it is not a guarantee — and the schedule still has to play out.
What to watch next is simple: whether UST and FEU-D hold their share of the top spot through the second round, and whether NUNS or UE can create separation in the race for the remaining slots. UPIS and DLSZ are now out.
This report is based on the original coverage by tiebreakertimes.com.ph.
