MANILA, Philippines – Four-peat-seeking University of Santo Tomas and rival Far Eastern University showed little rust coming off the Christmas break as the Tigers and the Tams stormed to their sixth straight victories yesterday in the UAAP Season 73 volleyball tournament’s resumption at the Arena.
The Tigers needed only 59 minutes to dismantle National U, 25-14, 25-14, 25-18, while the Tams scored a 25-17, 25-22, 25-23 triumph over Adamson as last season’s Finals protagonists braced up for a head-on collision on Wednesday with a first-round sweep and solo leadership at stake.
John Paul Torres led the attack for the Tigers with 17 points while Salvador Juan Departe chipped in nine. The duo combined for 23 of UST’s 45 total kills, outscoring the entire Bulldogs team who only netted 20 hits in all.
The Tigers also won six points off blocks and punched in five aces in dealing the Bulldogs their sixth loss against one win.
Peter Dan Mar Torres emerged as NU’s top scorer with seven.
For their part, the Tams drew 18 markers from Nestor Molate and 13 from Rodolfo Labrador Jr. to go 6-0 after their one-hour, 10-minute battle with the Falcons (2-5).
Ronjay Galang had 12 for AdU, which gave up 27 points through errors.
In women’s play, the La Salle Lady Archers took the provisional solo lead after prevailing over University of the East Lady Warriors, 25-17, 25-17, 25-21.
Abigail Marano posted 14 points, spiked by 10 kills and three blocks as the Lady Archers stayed unbeaten in six outings.
UE suffered its third straight loss for 2-5 overall.