Tams, Saints set LBC volley duel

MANILA, Philippines - Far Eastern U survived a tough second set challenge by University of the Philippines and went on to hack out a 25-16, 27-25, 25-13 victory to advance to the finals of the first LBC Men’s Volleyball League at the Arellano gym yesterday.

Arvin Avila came away with 10 kills while Rodolfo Labrador churned out an eight-kill, five-block performance as the Tams sustained their impressive elims campaign to get a crack at the crown.

Nestor Molate added eight attacks and Karl de la Calzada chipped six kills for FEU, which faces University of Perpetual Help for the crown in the centerpiece seniors division of the league sponsored by LBC Hari ng Padala.

The Saints turned back the Arellano U tossers in a thrilling five-setter, 25-22, 19-25, 23-25, 25-20, 15-13, to clinch the other finals berth.

Earlier, University of the East kept its unbeaten run in the juniors division as it disposed of Mayamot High School, 25-14, 25-21, to arrange a title clash with Sta. Elena High School, which repulsed St. Francis of Assisi-Bacoor, 25-20, 12-25, 25-14, in the other crossover semis duel.

Carl Manuel fired seven kills and came through with five blocks while Ed Camposano dished out a seven-attack, two-block and one ace game to power the Junior Warriors to the victory.

It was UE’s sixth straight win after sweeping its group in the elims of the league backed by Shakey’s Pizza, Toby’s Sports, Dunkin’ Donuts, Mikasa and Asics with the Recto-based squad out to complete its sweep of the juniors crown against Sta. Elena, one of its victims in the elims.

The Sta. Elena spikers repulsed the St. Francis of Assisi-Bacoor side, 25-20, 12-25, 25-14, in the other crossover semis encounter to gain a chance to get even with UE.

Angelo Torres unloaded 15 kills while Mark Santos backed him with six attacks and Josh Petalio took care of defense by coming up with three blocks for Sta. Elena.

The finals, including that of the seniors division, will be held next Saturday, also at the Arellano gym.