MANILA, Philippines - Far Eastern University outplayed defending champion University of Santo Tomas in a thrilling five-setter, 25-21, 25-23, 22-25, 23-25, 15-13, to sweep the first round of the UAAP Season 73 men’s volleyball tournament at the Arena yesterday.
Rodolfo Labrador Jr., the league’s top scorer, scattered 24 points in the epic matchup that took one hour and 57 minutes to settle, leading the Tams the solo lead halfway through the tourney with an immaculate 7-0 slate.
Pitrus de Ocampo and Arvin Avila added 13 and 10 markers, respectively, in the game that was practically evenly fought on key departments.
The Tigers had slightly more kills, 58 against 57, but the Tams had more points off blocks, 11-8, even as the rivals had the same output in aces, 4, and nearly the same number of errors, 37 for FEU and 38 for UST.
Harby Ilano and Jayson Ramos punched in 19 markers apiece for four-peat seeking UST, which finished the first round in second spot with a 6-1 card.
La Salle took the No. 3 position in the standings after securing their fifth win in seven outings at the expense of University of the East, 25-17, 25-15, 25-14.
Emilio Lee and Chris Macasaet combined for 33 points as the Archers stayed just a win adrift the second-running Tigers.
Homer Lauresta and Jay Kim Subiaga made eight apiece for the Warriors, who shared the cellar with National U at 1-6.