NUNS, UST creep closer to locking postseason incentive

Boys’ Standings

UST 11-1

NUNS 11-1

UE 10-2

AdU 7-5

FEU-D 5-7

DLSZ 3-9

Ateneo 1-11

UPIS 0-12

Girls' Games on Sunday at Paco Arena

9:00 a.m. – UST vs. NUNS

11:00 a.m. – AdU vs. FEU-D

1:00 p.m. – DLSZ vs. Ateneo

ADAMSON University stormed past Ateneo with a resounding straight-set rout, 25-10, 25-8, 25-17, inching closer to a Final Four seat in the UAAP Season 87 High School Boys’ Volleyball Tournament on Saturday at Paco Arena.

The Baby Falcons soared to a commanding start in the third set, unleashing an explosive eight-point run to seize early control and maintain their momentum for the remainder of the set.

A service error from Ateneo’s Lucas Garcia sent Adamson to match point, however, two attack errors and an attack from Ken Nicolas saved the Blue Eagles three points. An off-the-block kill from Kirk Partosa finished the match in the Baby Falcons’ favor.

“Maganda naman ‘yung first set tsaka ‘yung second set. ‘Yung third set lang medyo tumaas ‘yung score ng Ateneo kasi dahil sa error na rin namin siguro. Na-out-of-focus ‘yung mga bata,” said Adamson head coach Marvin Ramoso.

“Siguro ‘yung tibay ng loob talaga, ‘yung panapos sa laro kasi ‘yun ang nagiging problema namin. ‘Pag sa latter part na ng game medyo naa-out-of-focus lalo na ‘pag lamang ang kalaban. Siguro kailangan mas mapag-focusan pa namin ‘yung tapang at saka ‘yung lakas ng loob para makuha namin ‘yung sets,” he said, emphasizing the need to improve their focus and mental toughness, particularly during critical moments.

It was a well-rounded effort for the Baby Falcons, who showcased their depth throughout the 51-minute match. Jims Ducusin led the way with eight points on seven attacks and a block.

Arvin Pon-an scored seven points in two sets as Partosa notched six points, also in two sets.

Two games ahead of the Baby Tamaraws, the Baby Falcons rose to a 7-5 record, strengthening its position at fourth, as Ateneo remained in seventh, falling to 1-11.

Earlier, National University Nazareth School battled its way to a hard-earned sweep against Far Eastern University-Diliman, 25-21, 25-23, 26-24, while  University of Santo Tomas overpowered University of the Philippines Integrated School, 25-12, 25-9, 25-9, bolstering their respective bids for a twice-to-beat advantage with an 11-1 record.

The Bullpups built a five-point lead midway through the third set, but the Baby Tamaraws rallied from a three-point deficit to level the score at 21 behind Zedrick Calimlim's three straight kills.

The two teams traded blows in a tense back-and-forth exchange until an attack from Kenneth Maliwanag brought the Baby Tamaraws to match point. However, Yuan Mendoza stepped up for the Bullpups and delivered three clutch kills to close out the set and secure the match.

NUNS rode on Yuan Mendoza’s 15-point performance, all from attacks in the match that lasted an hour and 20 minutes. Miguel Egger contributed 12 points on eight attacks, three blocks, and an ace. On the other hand, Irilis Kasim and John Wayne Dionela added eight points each to complete the team's strong showing.

Calimlim paced FEU-D in the defeat with 17 points.

NUNS retained their position at the top alongside UST, while FEU-D dropped to 5-7, keeping hold of fifth place.

John Paul Bautista notched 11 points from seven attacks, two blocks, and two aces in just two sets of action to lead the Junior Golden Spikers to victory. Paolo Medino followed with 10 points on nine attacks, while Erick Perjes registered eight points in two sets in the 48-minute match.

Both the Bullpups and the Junior Golden Spikers sit atop the table with identical 11-1 slates.

UPIS is yet to secure a win in 12 outings.

University of the East, on the other hand, made quick work of De La Salle-Zobel, dominating in straight sets, 25-15, 25-17, 25-15, as it continued its pursuit of a twice-to-beat edge.

Lance Babon’s 16-point effort, 15 from attacks and one block, lifted the Junior Warriors to a commanding win, as Christian Antonio and Clarence Gianan chipped in 11 and eight points, respectively, in the 56-minute match. Julian Dulay kept UE’s offense running smoothly with 12 excellent sets.

UE maintained its grip on third place with a 10-2 slate, while DLSZ stumbled to 3-9 in sixth place.