Banaticla-Caballejo duo keeps UST unscathed in UAAP beach volley

MANILA, Philippines — Volleybelles Maru Banaticla and Judy Caballejo scored two wins to give University of Santo the first semifinals slot in the 75th UAAP women’s beach volleyball Saturday at the UE Caloocan sand court.

The defending champion Tigresses disposed of University of the East’s Jessica Paron and Francislyn Cais, 21-9, 21-14, and pulled off a 19-21, 21-10, 15-5 victory over Aia del Mundo and Pau Genido of University of the Philippines in the afternoon.

Going unbeaten in five matches, UST needs to win its two  remaining assignments in the elimination to clinch an outright finals berth.

The Lady Maroons, who won via default against Ateneo in the morning session, suffered its second setback in five games — a huge blow to their semis bid.

Far Eastern University also made quick work of UE, 21-16, 21-14, in the men’s division to move closer to the semis.

Reigning MVP Arvin Avila and Karl dela Calzada led the Tamaraws, who have won 20 straight since 2010, to extend their unbeaten streak to four this season.

In other men’s results, NU edged UST, 21-18, 21-17, while La Salle nipped UP, 21-14, 19-21, 15-11 and Adamson clipped Ateneo, 21-14, 19-21, 15-11.