By Marcus Isaac D.G. Bandong

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws team captain Ariel Cacao highlighted the team’s eagerness after a five-set nail-biter against the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons, 26-24, 22-25, 23-25, 25-9, 15-12, during the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament earlier today, April 18, at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila City.

“‘Yung pinakani-remind ko sa team, ‘yung grit ng bawat isa. Kasi [malapit na ‘yung] semis kaya halos lahat malakas na talaga. Ang tanong lang palagi kung sinong pinakagustong manalo sa araw na mismo ng laban (I always remind the team about their grit. Because when it comes to the semis, every team is good. The question is, who wants it the most on the day of the match itself),” the green-and-gold setter said in the post-game conference.

Off the bat, both FEU and AdU were hungry for the first set, trading back-to-back attacks that resulted in a deadlock following a powerful spike from Amet Bituin, 18-18.

Fortunately, the Tamaraws soared toward the end of the frame courtesy of an unsuccessful challenge on Mikko Espartero’s spectacular spike, 26-24.

The same story crept into the second set as the Morayta-based squad and San Marcelino-based squad traded runs, 19-19.

Unfortunately, the green-and-gold squad were unable to mount a comeback against the Falcons after an intense rally, 22-25.

In the early going of the third set, FEU was down by five points after failing to penetrate through AdU’s towering defense, 12-17.

Despite the lapses, the Tamaraws managed to crawl back courtesy of Dryx Saavedra’s offensive onslaught, 19-20. However, the green-and-gold team could not close out Falcon Andrew Tahiluddin’s attacks, 23-25.

Looking to tie the match, the Morayta-based squad ignited their offense through Espartero and Saavedra’s attacks that gave them a whopping 12-point cushion, 19-7.

At the end of the dominant fourth set, Tamaraw Luis Miguel went on a personal three-point run to finish the stunner against the Soaring Falcons, 25-9.

To fend off the heartbreak, the Morayta-based squad mounted an offensive spurt and utilized the San Marcelino-based squad’s errors to secure the tight fifth set win, 15-12.

After the nail-biter, Espartero mentioned that his mindset lies within his courage in every thrilling match.

“Nakapasok sa mindset ko na ‘pag sa ganitong labanan, tibay ng puso talaga at lakas ng loob ‘yung labanan (My mindset when it comes to these games are focused on our valor and courage),” he shared.

In an all-around showing, Espartero led the way with 22 markers built on 19 attacks and three blocks, while Saavedra had 17 points through 13 attacks, three blocks, and one service ace. 

Running on a dominant 12-1 campaign, FEU looks to close out their onslaught against Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday, April 22, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

(Photo by James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)