Manila: University of the East downed Umingan Volleyball Club, 25-22, 25-15, 25-14, in Group B of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) Under-21 Championship National men’s division at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Thursday. It was the second consecutive victory for UE, which previously survived City of Naga-Cebu Volleyball Club, 25-12, 25-17, 23-25, 25-17, last Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, in another match, Notre Dame of Dadiangas University achieved its first win in the five-day tournament organized by the PNVF, led by President Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara. Notre Dame defeated City of Naga-Cebu Volleyball Club with scores of 27-25, 20-25, 18-25, 25-18, 15-11. Notre Dame and Umingan are now tied at 1-1, while City of Naga-Cebu Volleyball Club remains winless.

The preliminary round continues Friday with One Silay of Negros Occidental facing Lingayen Volleyball Club at 9 a.m. and Zamboanga City taking on Volleyball Never Stop (VNS) at 11:30 a.m. in Group A. The afternoon matches will feature UE against Notre Dame at 2 p.m., and Umingan against City of Naga-Cebu Volleyball Club at 4:30 p.m.

One Silay overcame Volleyball Never Stop (VNS) Club 25-22, 25-23, 22-25, 32-30, while Zamboanga City triumphed over Lingayen, 16-25, 25-20, 23-25, 30-28, 15-7, last Wednesday. The semifinal round is scheduled for Saturday, with the final set to take place on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the PNVF is preparing to host the National Beach Volleyball Championships in February and the Second AVC Beach Tour-Nuvali Open in April, both at the Nuvali Sand Courts in Santa Rosa City. Additionally, Nuvali will serve as the venue for the FIVB World Beach Pro Tour Futures. The Philippines is also set to host the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship for the first time from Sept. 12 to 28 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and SM Mall of Asia Arena.