High-leaping, power-hitting Nestor Molate unloaded 24 hits, including 19 on kills while coming away with four blocks as he powered the Tams, the University Games champion in Bacolod City last month, to the championship the inaugural staging of this premier seniors division of the league sponsored by LBC Hari ng Padala.
Molate eventually made it a double celebration as he bagged the MVP trophy during awards rites.
“We relaxed a bit but we regained our composure in time to prevent them from turning things around,” said FEU coach George Pascua.
The win by FEU was a virtual repeat of its 25-21, 25-15, 19-25, 25-21 win in their first and only meeting in the single-round elims, capping the Tams impressive campaign league organized by Metro Sports and backed by Shakey’s Pizza, Toby’s Sports, Dunkin’ Donuts, Mikasa and Asics.
In junior's action, University of the East also fought off Sta. Elena High School of Marikina’s tough stand in the first two sets before dominating the final frame en route to a 25-20, 25-21, 25-18 victory. Mayamot High of Antipolo City humbled St. Francis, 25-19, 25-16 and University of the Philippines won via default over Arellano U to end up third in the juniors and seniors divisions, respectively.
Rodolfo Labrador backed Molate’s solid game with 17 hits he laced with 10 spikes and four blocks while Pitrus Ocampo, a tall, versatile setter, came through with 42 successful sets while chipping in four kills and two service winners.
After yielding the first two sets, the Saints refused to give up and fought behind John Javier, Joel Javellana, power-hitting John Nunez and setter Edward Lirio as they took the third set and led at 18-16 in the fourth.
via Manila Bulletin
photo by Brian Brioso
