University of Santo Tomas (UST) and Far Eastern University-Diliman (FEU-D) established themselves as the early leaders of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 89 high school boys’ volleyball tournament after repulsing separate foes on Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym in Loyola Heights, Quezon City.

Karl Escobal continued to make his presence felt on attack, helping UST put away defending champion University of the East (UE), 27-25, 25-18, 25-18, to remain unbeaten at 3-0.

UST pulled away from a one-point advantage late in the third set with a 4-0 run highlighted by three straight aces from Ivbo Bucaya to take a 19-14 lead. Three more consecutive points, punctuated by a Bernard Capuno ace, put the Junior Golden Spikers at match point. Emman Marcelino kept the Junior Warriors alive briefly before Markus Julian closed out the match with a block.

Escobal capped his outing with 18 points on 14 attacks, three blocks, and an ace. Capuno chipped in 11 attacks, two blocks, and two aces.

Chester Esteban tallied 11 excellent sets to run UST’s offense, while Carl Detoyato provided defensive support with eight excellent receptions and five digs in the 69-minute match.

Jack Parde provided UE with a team-high seven points, all from attacks, as the Junior Warriors dropped to 1-2.

On the other hand, Kenneth Maliwanag turned in another big outing for FEU-D, powering the Baby Tamaraws to a 25-22, 19-25, 27-25, 26-24 victory over the National University-Nazareth School (NUNS) Bullpups to extend their perfect run to 3-0.

FEU-D and NUNS traded leads in a tight fourth set, with the Bullpups taking a 17-15 edge before the Baby Tamaraws answered with a 4-0 run, sparked by back-to-back attacks from Maliwanag, to regain a 19-18 lead. FEU-D stayed ahead through the closing stretch, with Ahmad Korooshavi sealing the 26-24 win with an attack through a triple block.