Ateneo, FEU solidify bids in UAAP men’s volleyball

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo and Far Eastern University continued to build a lead in the UAAP season 76 men’s volleyball standings after separate wins Wednesday at the Arena in San Juan.

Ateneo took four sets to dispatch University of Santo Tomas, 20-25, 25-23, 25-18, 25-20, to make its entry to this year’s final four.

Marck Jesus Espejo led the Blue Eagles, who are in the post-season for the first time since 2010, with 21 points while Rex Intal and Ricci Gonzales teamed up for 23 points.

Mark Gil Alfafara exploded with 27 points but for naught as the Tigers fell out of the final four with a 4-8 card.

FEU, meanwhile, handily defeated University of the Philippines, 25-22, 25-17, 25-18, to solidify their lead at third place with an 8-4 record with two games left in the elimination round.

Karl Ian Dela Calzada led the onslaught for FEU with 16 points, including three blocks, while Alexis Faytaren and Jeric Gacutan combined for 17 points.

The Tamaraws stand two games ahead of the fourth-place Ateneo (6-5) in the race for the final four, as they pushed Maroons out of the running at 4-8.