Tams survive Thunder in 5

LIZLEE Ann Pantone of PLDT challenges the defense of Aby Maraño of Meralco in last night’s match at Filoil Flying V Arena. AUGUST DELA CRUZ

Tougher when it mattered, Far Eastern U outlasted Rizal Technological U, 17-25, 21-25, 25-23, 25-20, 16-14, in another men’s division thriller yesterday in the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Third Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

Greg Dolor and Joshua Barrica delivered the decisive hits as the Tamaraws survived the two-hour showdown despite falling in the first two sets to the Thunder.

The win pushed the Tamaraws to a share of second spot with Systema with an even 1-1 record, behind IEC (1-0).

It marked the third straight game that a men’s division clash went the distance after wins by IEC and Systema over the weekend.

The string of five-setters continued as the Tamaraws showed steely resolve to overhaul a two-set deficit, combining their unrelenting attack and a solid net defense to pull through.

In the fifth set, it was Dolor and Barrica who sealed the win after the Thunder saved a match point at 14-13.

“Going through these five-setters is good for the team, particularly in toughening up our young players,” said FEU coach Kid Santos.

Dolor fired 18 hits, including three blocks, while Barrica and Jeric Gacutan had 15 and 13 points for the Tamaraws who are using the tournament to toughen up for the UAAP wars.

The Thunder zoomed to an early advantage with Sahud Masuhod and Carlo Sebastian keeping the Tamaraws guessing at the net.

Masuhod had 18 points, but struggled in the last two sets. Sebastian and Ryan Crisostomo added 16 and 10 points, respectively for the Thunder who face IEM on Sunday.

The women’s division showdown pitting Meralco and PLDT was still being played at press time last night.