IEM props up finals hopes

Instituto Estetico Manila boosted its hopes of nailing a finals berth after hammering out a 25-14, 25-22, 25-16 victory over Rizal Technological U  yesterday in the men’s division of the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Third Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Volley Masters survived a gutsy stand by the Blue Thunder in the second set, before asserting their might anew in the third frame to wrap up their straight victory.

The win allowed the Volley Masters to tie Systema Tooth and Gum Care at 3-1 as RTU dropped into a tie for third spot with Far Eastern U at 1-3.

“We’re a step away from our goal, which is to make the finals first,” said Instituto coach Ernesto Balubar.

A victory by the Volley Masters against the Tamaraws tomorrow will give IEM the first finals berth.

In the women’s match, PLDT dealt winless Meralco its fifth loss after a hard-earned 25-20, 25-14, 22-25, 16-25, 17-15 victory.

Gretchel Soltones unleashed 28 points while Lou Latigay added 21 for PLDT which upped its mark to 2-2.

IEM had four players scoring at least seven points with Jeffrey Jimenez tossing a team-high 13 hits.

Jason Canlas, Eden Canlas and Karl dela Calzada also combined for 21 points for the Volley Masters, who avenged their first round loss to the Blue Thunder.

RTU actually rallied in the last two sets on its way to a first-round win.