Tams, Tigers zoom in on volley semis

MANILA, Philippines –  Far Eastern University and defending champion University of Santo Tomas closed in on a twice-to-beat incentive in the semifinals of the UAAP Season 73 men’s volleyball tournament with separate victories yesterday at The Arena.

The Tams stormed to their 11th straight triumph following a 25-14, 25-19, 25-23 disposal of Adamson (4-7) with Nestor Molate (13), Rodolfo Labrador, Jr. (12) and Karl Ian dela Calzada (11) leading the scoring parade.

Last season’s runner-up FEU stood a win away from getting a Final Four bonus earmarked for the Top 2 finishers at the end of the 14-game elims.

Four-peat-seeking UST, for its part, improved to 10-1 after thrashing Ateneo in only 56 minutes, 25-8, 25-13, 25-22.

Jayson Ramos knocked in 14 markers, including five aces and two blocks, while Henry James Pecana added 13 points and Salvador Juan Depante had 10 kills for the Tigers, now two triumphs away from a semis incentive.

Ricci Gonzales finished with eight for Ateneo, which dropped to 3-8.

Women’s division pacesetter La Salle, meanwhile, turned back National U, 25-12, 25-14, 25-17, to move on the threshhold of a twice-to-beat prize in the F4.

Towering Michelle Gumabao led the Lady Archers’ assault, punching in 10 points spiked by five blocks and four hits, as DLSU handed NU its seventh loss in 11 outings.

Abigail Marano and Jacqueline Alarca backstop the 5’9-1/2 Gumabao with 10 apiece.