(UAAP photo)
University of Santo Tomas (UST) and Far Eastern University-Diliman (FEU-D) secured their places in the UAAP Season 89 boys’ volleyball Final Four after sweeping their respective opponents on Friday at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.
UST’s Junior Golden Spikers dominated University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS), 25-14, 25-14, 25-13, behind a strong performance from Jireh Lorenzo Torotoro.
Torotoro delivered 10 points built on nine attacks and one block as UST cruised to a straight-set victory.
FEU-D also displayed a commanding performance, defeating De La Salle Zobel, 25-16, 25-19, 25-15, to secure its semifinal berth.
Both UST and FEU-D improved to identical 10-1 records, strengthening their positions at the top of the standings.
Meanwhile, National University-Nazareth School (NU-NS) overcame Adamson University in four sets, 25-18, 30-32, 25-14, 25-21, to remain in contention for a semifinal spot.
Defending champion University of the East (UE) also boosted its Final Four hopes with a convincing 25-20, 25-18, 25-19 victory over Ateneo de Manila University.
The NU Bullpups and UE Junior Warriors are tied at 7-4, holding a two-game advantage over fifth-ranked Adamson, which carries a 5-6 record.
With UST and FEU-D already assured of semifinal appearances, two remaining Final Four berths are still up for grabs.
UST head coach Clarence Esteban expressed satisfaction with his team’s improving consistency and the progress of its younger players as the tournament enters its crucial stage.
“Syempre, we’re very glad na [nag-improve] consistency nung pagpasok namin sa Final Four,” Esteban said.
He credited the team’s development to its new recruits, who have gradually adjusted to the coaching staff’s system and expectations.
“Malaking improvement kasi ‘yung mga recruit na pinasok namin nakuha na ‘yung sistema, nakuha na nila kung ano ‘yung mga gusto naming mangyari,” he added.
For UPIS, Prince Jimenez and Justin Jusayan contributed nine points each, but their efforts were not enough to prevent another defeat.
The loss dropped UPIS to a 3-8 record, officially eliminating the team from semifinal contention.
With the Final Four race intensifying, NU-NS, UE, and Adamson will continue battling for the two remaining semifinal slots.
