UE stays perfect, NU-Nazareth, Adamson win in boy's volleyball

MANILA, Philippines — University of the East remained unscathed while National University-Nazareth School continued its uphill climb with its third straight win in the UAAP Season 82 Boys' Volleyball tournament at Paco Arena Saturday.

The Junior Red Warriors outlasted University of Santo Tomas, 25-16, 22-25, 29-27, 25-12, while the Bullpups made quick work of Ateneo, 25-11, 25-16, 25-14.

In the other match, Adamson University outmuscled De La Salle-Zobel, 25-20, 25-21, 28-26, for its first win.

Captain Francis Babon registered 17 points while Joshua Espenida punched in 16 spikes as UE extended its perfect run to four matches.

"Ang sabi ko sa kanila noong third set noong naghahabol kami, hanggang maaari tibayan nila yung dibdib nila pagdating ng crucial point," said UE coach Raffy Monsuela.

The Junior Warriors started the fourth frame firing with a 12-4 lead to pull away for good after the Tiger Cubs were able to get a lifeline by winning the third set behind Giles Torres.

Gerard Narciso had 14 markers for UST while Paul Colinares and Jay Dela Noche each delivered 10 hits.

Knotted at 7-7 in the third set, the Bullpups put together a 14-4 blitz to put the game out of reach and continue their rise from a 0-2 start.

Michaelo Buddin tallied a game-high 11 points built on seven attacks, three aces and a block for NU.

The Blue Eagles, who were led by Amil Pacinio's nine points, fell to sixth place with a 1-4 record.

Jefferson Marapoc's block and an attack error from Junior Green Spiker Enrique Aranton sealed the Baby Falcons' first win in after dropping their four games.

"Masarap sa feeling na makaisa para makadere-derecho na ang panalo namin, yun lang naman ang sabi ko sa mga bata eh," Adamson University coach Marvin Ramoso said.

Marapoc spearheaded the Baby Falcons with 16 points on 13 spikes, two blocks and an ace laced with 15 excellent receptions while Evander Novillo poured in 11 markers.

Andre Espejo had a game-high 17 points for De La Salle-Zobel.

Action resumes with a triple-header on Wednesday at the same venue.