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UST dethrones NU in three-set semis thriller, meets FEU in men's beach volley finals

Krung Arbasto Jeron Requinton found the right mix to repulse NU for another shot at the UAAP men's beach volley crown. Kennelf Monteza/ File Photo

By Ricky Manliguis

MANILA-- Out to reclaim lost glory, University of Santos are back in the finals after dethroning National University, 24-22, 21-15, in the stepladder semifinals of the UAAP 81 men's beach volleyball tournament at the SM Sands by the Bay Saturday morning. 

Graduating Krung Arbasto and his rookie partner Jeron Requinton made short work of their heated rivals Bryan Bagunas and James Natividad for the España-based squad's sixth straight finals appearance. 

The win also set up a best-of-three showdown with unbeaten Far Eastern U of Jude Garcia and Kevin Hadlocon tomorrow.

Coming off a dramatic 30-32, 21-12, 15-13 match yesterday, both teams got into another fiery opening before UST snatched the set.

Arbasto and Requinto then went on a tear in the second frame with a 18-12 cushion that the Bulldogs failed to overcome. Requinton's kill block off a Bagunas missile sealed the deal for UST. 

NU entered the final phase after disposing Adamson's Paolo Pablico and Jesus Valdez, 21-13, 21-16, in the opening salvo of the day. 

FEU beat UST in their only elimination encounter, 21-19, 21-18, last Sept. 25. 


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