UAAP: UE, NUNS boys complete HS volleyball Final 4 cast

MANILA — University of the East and National University Nazareth School scored crucial victories on Sunday to complete the Final 4 cast of the UAAP Season 89 boys’ volleyball tournament at the Blue Eagle Gym.

Defending champions Junior Red Warriors staved off the Adamson Soaring Falcons, 33-31, 25-22, 22-25, 25-22, while the Bullpups overwhelmed the UPIS Fighting Maroons, 25-20, 25-13, 25-12, to claim their eighth wins of the season.

Needing a victory to stay in the Final Four race, Adamson fell short against UE, which leaned on Steven David’s 29-point explosion to eliminate the Baby Falcons from postseason contention.

“We’re not complacent,” said UE head coach Arnaldo Dino. “Kailangan, trabaho pa.”

The Baby Falcons were eliminated from Final Four contention after suffering their seventh loss in 12 games.

The opening set went down to the wire, with Prince Padrones’ attack sailing long to tie the score at 24-all. Both teams continued to exchange points until the extended frame went beyond the 30-point mark. UE eventually drew first blood with an off-the-block attack to take the set, 33-31.

After taking the second set, the Junior Red Warriors found themselves trailing in the third, as Lance Babon’s kill extended Adamson’s advantage to six, 21-15.

UE threatened to mount a comeback with a 7-2 run, but the Baby Falcons responded with timely plays from James Bernabe and a crucial joust to claim the third set and extend the match.

The Junior Red Warriors regained control in the fourth frame, with Nathan Evangelista’s attack stretching their lead to five, 20-15. Adamson attempted a late rally, but Khian Hiyao delivered a quick attack to seal the 25-22 set victory and secure UE’s place in the Final Four.

Bernabe paced Adamson with 21 points, followed by Babon with 18, as the Baby Falcons slipped to 5-7.

Meanwhile, NUNS leaned on Ronnie Millan, who led the Bullpups with 10 points on six attacks, three blocks, and an ace, while Ar-Raquib Dais chipped in eight points.

The Bullpups maintained their momentum into the third set, with Allen Almodovar converting an attack to extend their lead to 13-8.

UP attempted a late rally, but the defending champions quickly shut the door on the Fighting Maroons, allowing just one more point as they closed out the match with a 12-1 run.

Dais capped the dominant finish with an attack to seal the straight-sets victory and NUNS’ 14th consecutive Final Four appearance.

Prince Jimenez led the Fighting Maroons with 13 points, all coming from attacks, while Justin Jusayan added 11 points and 10 excellent receptions as UP dropped to 4-10.

Meanwhile, UST and FEU continued their dominant campaigns, sweeping De La Salle Zobel and Ateneo de Manila University, respectively, to secure twice-to-beat advantages heading into the Final Four.

The Junior Golden Spikers dispatched DLSZ, 25-15, 25-21, 25-15, to claim their second consecutive victory in the tournament.

Bouncing back from a five-set loss to NUNS on October 30, UST leaned on team captain Karl Escobal, who paced the Junior Golden Spikers with 15 points on 14 attacks while also tallying 10 excellent digs.

UST cruised to a double-digit victory in the opening set, but DLSZ mounted a stronger challenge in the second frame. The Junior Archers came within striking distance after Andrei Montillano denied Anthony Cabanting to cut the deficit to one, 19-18.

The Junior Golden Spikers, however, held their ground before Escobal delivered the set-clinching kill to give UST a two-set advantage, 25-21.

UST carried its momentum into the third set, closing out the match with an 11-5 run punctuated by Kirby Aguas’ attack to complete the sweep.

Aside from Escobal, Bernard Capuno chipped in 10 points on seven attacks, two blocks, and an ace, while Kian Gabriel and Jireh Torotoro contributed six points apiece.

For DLSZ, Montillano was the lone double-digit scorer with 11 points, while John Arguelles added eight points and 13 excellent receptions