UNLEASHING its power game anew, Instituto Estetico Manila made quick work of Far Eastern U, 25-20, 25-21, 25-21, Thursday night to clinch the first finals berth of the Shakey’s V-League Season 11 Third Conference at Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan late Thursday.
Sustaining their superb form, the Volley Masters constantly found creases on the Tamaraws’ floor defense, while coming up with a resolute defensive stand to wrap up their fourth victory in just 74 minutes.
The Tamaraws formally bowed out of contention after suffering their fourth loss in five games. Systema and Rizal Technological U will be left to fight for the remaining finals berth with the Active Smashers having the upperhand with a 3-1 record.
A win by the Active Smashers over the Tamaraws on Tuesday will seal an IEM-Systema championship duel.
Jason Canlas and Jeffrey Jimenez came through with three blocks apiece and topscored with 13 and 11 hits, respectively for the Volley Masters, who secured their third straight win.
IEM’s dominant attack saw the Volley Masters register a 36-25 advantage on kills over the Tamaraws.
Greg Dolor scored 10 hits, but he got little support from the rest of the Tamaraws, who suffered a third straight loss. Jeric Gacutan finished with six points and Clifford Miranda chipped in five in the losing effort.