Patriots, Mariners inch closer to NCRAA semis

MANILA, Philippines - The La Salle-Dasmariñas Patriots and the Philippine Merchant Marine School Mariners warded off separate foes yesterday to move closer to the top semifinal berths of the 18th National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) men’s volleyball tournament at the Olivarez College Sports Complex in Sucat, Parañaque.

The Patriots, led by three key players, defeated the Rizal Technological University Blue Thunder, 25-12, 25-19, 25-22, to post their ninth straight victory.

On the other hand, the Mariners pounced on crucial errors by the PATTS College of Aeronautics Sea Horses in the second game to pull off a 25-18, 25-18, 25-10 win in this spikefest supported by Mikasa and Molten Balls.

Al Arazin Addulwahab led the Patriots’ offense in the second set, with his excellent serves handing the Patriots a six-point edge. His efforts, along with teammates Louie Dimapilis and Alvin Cacayurin, moved the Patriots closer to a 10-game sweep of their elimination-round assignment.

A sweep will give the Patriots an outright finals slot and send the three other finals contenders – the Mariners, the Blue Thunder and the Sea Horses – into the stepladder semifinals.

In women’s action, The RTU Lady Thunder prevailed over the Philippine School of Business Administration Jaguars, 25-16, 25-18, 25-23, to complete a six-game sweep and claim an outright finals berth.