Tams, Saints dispute LBC men's volley crown

MANILA, Philippines - Far Eastern U and University of Perpetual Help square off today in a one-game finale for the inaugural LBC Men’s Volleyball League crown at the Arellano gym with odds just about even between the tournament’s top two teams.

The Tams held off the Saints, 25-21, 25-15, 19-25, 25-21, in their first and only meeting at the close of the single round elims to clinch the No. 1 spot in the crossover semis last week. But the UPHL spikers are raring to even things up with the Morayta-based squad and win the match that matters most.

Gametime is at 3 p.m.

FEU swept University of the Phils., 25-16, 27-25, 25-13, in their semifinal duel while UPHL snatched a pulsating five-set victory over fancied Arellano, 25-22, 19-25, 23-25, 25-20, 15-13, to clinch the other championship berth in the premier seniors division of the league sponsored by LBC Hari ng Padala.

Meanwhile, University of the East hopes to cap its impressive campaign as it collides with Sta. Elena High School in their own one-game showdown for the juniors crown in the tournament league organized by Metro Sports and backed by Shakey’s Pizza, Toby’s Sports, Dunkin’ Donuts, Mikasa and Asics.

The unbeaten Junior Warriors turned back Mayamot High School, 25-14, 25-21, in their semis duel while the Sta. Elena tossers edged the St. Francis of Assisi-Bacoor squad, 25-20, 12-25, 25-14, to gain the other finals berth.

Carl Manuel and Ed Camposano are tipped to lead UE’s bid while Sta. Elena hopes to draw the best from Angelo Torres, Mark Santos and Josh Petalio in a bid to stop the Junior Warriors’ sweep bid in their 1 p.m. encounter.

SFAC disputes third place honors in the juniors side with Mayamot High School at 9 a.m. while UP and Arellano fight it out for third in seniors play at 10 a.m.