Palanan tossers stay in semis race

MANILA, Philippines - Palanan Elem. School scored an expected straight-set romp over Claret School, 25-13, 25-12, to remain in the hunt for the other berth in the crossover semifinal round of the first Toby’s Juniors Volleyball League at Lyceum gym last Sunday.

The win tied the Palanan tossers with the Ateneo side at 2-1 slates, sending their Feb. 13 duel to a deciding match for the second and last semis seat Pool B of the boys division.

Concepcion Elem. School clinched the first semis slot with a four-game sweep in the tournament sponsored by Toby’s Sports.

De La Salle-Lipa, meanwhile, advanced to the girls’ semis with a 25-19, 25-8 romp over Miriam College, completing its four-game sweep of Pool A side of the event backed by Shakey’s, LBC, Mikasa and Asics.

Miriam dropped out of the race with a 1-3 card.

St. Mary’s Academy outdueled Academy of God’s Children in a tightly-fought match in boys’ Pool A with the former hacking out a tough 25-19, 25-23 victory for its first win against two losses. AGC fell to 0-3.

Elizabeth Seton thumped St. Mary’s Academy of Caloocan City, 25-11, 25-11, to pick up its first win in three games while dealing the latter its fourth straight loss in a non-bearing match in girls’ Pool B.

 Colegio San Agustin (4-0) and MGC New Life Christian Academy (3-1) took the two semis berths in the group.