74th UAAP: FEU, Labrador dethrone UST as men's volleyball champs

University of Santo Tomas came prepared but Far Eastern U and JR Labrador were determined to regain the title and end the Tigers' four-year reign in the UAAP men’s volleyball tournament. Labrador, playing in his final game for the Tamaraws, dropped 22 points in leading FEU to a 25-27, 25-15, 19-25, 25-21, 15-13 triumph over the defending champions Wednesday at The Arena in San Juan City. The FEU skipper, the league's top scorer, tallied 17 hits, four blocks and a service ace. "Nandoon yung teamwork, yung mai-apply yung ginagawa namin sa practice at yung mag-enjoy sa paglalaro ang susi sa tagumpay na ito," said Labrador. The Morayta-based squad swept the best-of-three title series after beating the Tigers, 25-20, 25-21, 25-22, in Game One. Arvin Avila finished with 17 hits and two service aces while Karl Ian de la Calzada and Kirk Biliran contributed 12 and markers each for the Tamaraws, who collected their 25th overall crown. "Ito ang moment na hinihintay namin. Sinabi ko sa kanila na maging aggressive dahil nandoon yung experience ng UST. Mabuti at nasunod yung game plan namin," said FEU mentor George Pascua, who won his first crown as a coach.. Jay Depante had 23 hits and three blocks, while Mark Gil Alfafara had 18 points for the Growling Tigers. — JVP, GMA News