The FEU Tamaraws and the DLSU Green Spikers powered their way to crucial victories as the Final Four race heats up in the UAAP Season 86 men's volleyball tournament on Thursday, April 4.
Far Eastern University regained the top spot in the standings while La Salle kept its hold of the third spot as they defeated separate opponents in contrasting fashion in the UAAP Season 86 men's volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday, April 4.
The Tamaraws overhauled a 1-2 set deficit as they edged Ateneo, 25-20, 20-25, 18-25, 25-18, 15-12, to extend their win streak to four for a league-best 8-1 record.
Meanwhile, the Green Spikers made quick work of University of the Philippines, 25-20, 25-16, 25-22, to check their two-game skid for a 6-3 card behind FEU and National U (8-2).
Jayjay Javelona gave FEU an early three-point cushion in the fifth set, 6-3, as he strung three straight points on two attacks and a block.
Andrei Delicana then took over as he whacked twin blocks against ADMU's Amil Pacinio and Kennedy Batas for a 13-8 separation.
Three consecutive errors by the Tamaraws, however, gave the Blue Eagles a chance at making a comeback but Martin Bugaoan briskly replied with two straight quick attacks to seal the victory.
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In the first match, DLSU took control from start to finish against hapless UP as the Green Spikers vented out their frustrations following losses to the Bulldogs and the Tamaraws in their past two games prior to the Holy Week break.
The Taft-based squad was able to field in its bench players during the third set in the comfortable bounce-back victory.
Delicana led FEU with 19 points on 14 attacks and five blocks while Dryx Saavedra added 16 markers.
Javelona and Bugaoan contributed 16 and 13 points, respectively.
Jian Salarzon finished with 20 points and 27 excellent receptions for the Blue Eagles, who slid to a 5-5 record at fifth.
In the other duel, Eco Adajar starred for DLSU as he orchestrated its offense with 20 excellent sets.
Vince Maglinao and JM Ronquillo both chipped in 12 points.
Angelo Lagando was the lone Fighting Maroon in double-digits as he wound up with 12 markers.
UP remains winless in ten games.