THE Rizal Technological University Blue Thunders struck hard in the final set and put away the heavily favored La Salle-Dasmari?as Patriots, 25-19, 21-25, 25-22, 25-22, yesterday to barge into the finals of the 16th National Capital Region Athletic Association men?s volleyball tournament at the TIP Gym in Quiapo.

Roel Sucgang and Jeffrey Malabanan showed the way for the Blue Thunders, who swept their eight-game assignment in the elimination round of this varsity spikefest sponsored by Mikasa and Molten Balls, and www.philspike.com.

Their heroics allowed the Blue Thunders to shatter a 21-all deadlock and enabled them to earn an outright finals seat.

The George Pascua-coached Blue Thunders took turns at the net as the Blue Thunders nailed the game?s last four points.

The Philippine Merchant Marine School Mariners defeated the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 25-20, 21-25, 27-25, 15-12, to capture the first semifinal seat.

The Patriots (6-2) will clash with the Arellano University Chiefs (5-3) at 10 a.m. tomorrow at the Arellano University Gym for the right to fight for the second finals berth with the Mariners.

In the women?s semis at 11 a.m., the Lady Chiefs will clash with the EAC Lady Generals.

The Mariners charged back from a 3-5 deficit in the last set.

They moved ahead, 12-7, on the superb serves of Ni?o Papa and Lester Jaramilla. Peter Atencio