UAAP: Mark Calado, FEU knock off La Salle in stepladder semis
Mark Calado and the FEU Tamaraws celebrate against the La Salle Green Spikers in their knockout semifinals game. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Mark Calado lifted Far Eastern University to the next phase of the stepladder semifinals as they ousted La Salle, 25-21, 19-25, 25-22, 25-22, in the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Calado poured in 22 points built on 20 spikes, one block, and an ace to lead a balanced attack and forge a knockout game with the second-seeded University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers on Sunday.
“My teammates did well. All of them contributed. It’s not just one or two players,” said Calado in Filipino. “Everyone worked hard and our coaches also gave their best.”
Besides Calado, Jelord Talisayan also delivered the goods for FEU with 12 points on top of 17 receptions and seven digs. Dryx Saavedra also scored 12. Martin Bugaoan added nine markers, while JJ Javelona was also instrumental with four points including the game-winning crosscourt attack to end a two-hour and 12-minute game.
Setter Benny Martinez paced the Tams’ offense with 21 excellent sets and nailed five points, as libero Bryce De Guzman protected the floor with 22 receptions and 14 digs.
UST, despite being the No. 2 team in the league, won’t have a twice-to-beat advantage unlike in the past stepladder semifinals under new UAAP rules.
“We will continue to give our best and play all out,” said FEU coach Rei Diaz.
La Salle’s season ended in fourth place with Noel Kampton and JM Ronquillo leading the way as their first semis appearance since 2013 only lasted for one game.
Kampton powered the Green Spikers with 18 points off 16 spikes, one block, and an ace. Ronquillo chipped in 17 points, while BJ Anima nailed seven blocks in his final UAAP game.
Nathaniel Del Pilar added 10 markers, while Jules De Jesus, the nephew of Lady Spikers coach Ramil, also provided the spark for La Salle to win the second set and finished with five points and 14 excellent receptions.
