by Kristel Satumbaga
Games Saturday (The Arena, San Juan City)
8 a.m. – La Salle vs UP (men’s)
10 a.m. – UE vs UST (men’s)
2 p.m. – UST vs NU (women’s)
4 p.m. – Adamson vs UP (women’s)
National University and Far Eastern University scored morale-boosting wins yesterday in time for their battle royale on Sunday in the UAAP men’s volleyball competition at The Arena in San Juan City.
The Bulldogs improved to 12-1 after downing the University of the Philippines Maroons, 25-18, 25-21, 25-22, while the Tamaraws crushed the La Salle spikers, 25-21, 25-19, 25-20, to secure the last semis bonus with an 11-2 mark.
Though both teams are already assured of twice-to-beat privileges, they will fight for the top seeding on Sunday.
Redijohn Paler and Jude Garcia tallied 12 and 10 points for the Tamaraws, who improved to 11-2.
Bryan Bagunas continued his dominance at the attack line for NU by firing 15 kills to finish with 17 points while James Natividad chipped in 10 points, including seven hits.
The Bulldogs, who gun back-to-back titles, overpowered the Maroons with their sharp spikes anchored on Bagunas and Natividad while managing their net defense spearheaded by Francis Saura and Kim Malabunga.
NU posted eight blocks including four from Saura and Malabunga.
UP skidded to its 12th defeat against a lone win with only one match left in its campaign.
None from the Maroons scored more than 10 points with Nicolo Consuelo and John Mark Millette combining for 17 points.
La Salle’s loss to FEU, meanwhile, put them at 2-11 despite the efforts of Chris Dumago and Billi Anima, who finished with 11 and 10 points.
