Unbeaten Junior Warriors escape Baby Falcons in UAAP boys’ volleyball

MANILA, Philippines – University of the East survived Adamson University in five sets to stretch its unbeaten run to three games while titleholder Nazareth School of National University triumphed anew in the UAAP Season 82 Boys' Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday at the Paco Arena.

The Junior Warriors improved to 3-0 after a nailbiter against the Baby Falcons, 20-25 25-20, 25-19, 22-25, 15-12, while the Bullpups beat De La Salle-Zobel, 25-10, 20-25, 26-24, 25-22.

Joshua Espenida led UE with 22 points, Francis Babon poured in 19 points and 12 receptions, and Mangahis added 15 points and 15 digs.

The Junior Warriors displayed tremendous composure in the deciding set to stay perfect.

"Medyo nawalan ng leadership noong mga set na naunahan kami pero when it comes to composure and veteran leadership, nakuha naman namin yon sa captain namin noong fifth set," UE assistant coach Richard Cuevas said.

Evander Novilla paced the Baby Falcons with 21 markers while Jefferson Marapoc registered 17 points, 25 receptions and 13 digs.

Arvin Bandola tallied 20 points built on 14 spikes and five blocks for NU, which continued its rise from a 0-2 start by winning its second straight match.

"On and off yung mood ng team kaya hindi nilla nailaro kung ano yung inensayo namin so I think kailangan pa rin namin i-tune yung play namin," said Bullpups coach Edgar Barroga.

Tied at 22 in the fourth set, NU converted three consecutive points highlighted by Bandola's game-clinching block, to even their record at 2-2.

Junior Green Spikers captain Miguel Aranton had 18 points.

De La Salle-Zobel and Adamson University are now level in the seventh spot with 0-3 cards.

Boys' volleyball action resumes with three matches on Saturday at the same Paco venue.