By Vince Matthew Jaramilla

As they stand above their competition after sweeping the first round of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament—all while only dropping three sets, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws have impressed fans and casual viewers alike. Amid their success, key factors have propelled the green-and-gold squad from being mere contenders to title favorites.

From becoming the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge champions to keeping up with pros during their Spikers’ Turf stint, the Morayta-based spikers had shown that they were one of the top UAAP teams even before the season started.

However, Season 86 1st Best Middle Blocker Martin Bugaoan and promising then-rookie Andrei Delicana moved on from the roster, along with team captain Jeff Abuniawan and other seniors JJ Javelona, Vincent Nadera, and Rey Sabanal.

Moreover, the Tamaraws also managed to notch the one-seed last year, but ended up getting bounced in the semifinal round against University of Santo Tomas (UST).

As volleyball enthusiasts’ doubts remained as to whether the Eddieson Orcullo-led squad had what it takes to go all the way to the gold, they showed that they are the team to beat in the upcoming second round of eliminations.

Mental toughness

The Tamaraws had to be head-strong in facing the current UAAP season. Coach Ed had to go through surgery after sustaining an Achilles tendon injury, while the players had to deal with health concerns mid-round one.

In addition, both the pressure and the possibility of complacency that come with holding a long winning streak remained threats to FEU’s consistency.

First Season 87 men’s Player of the Week (POW) Dryx Saavedra emphasized the green-and-gold spikers’ mental readiness and maturity—traits that have helped them survive all the teams they clashed with.

“Sa skills, hindi talaga papatalo halos lahat. Mentally, prepared lahat—kahit nakakalamang ‘yung kalaban, may healthy pause tapos bawi agad. Talagang ‘yung maturity ng team, nandun na and dapat tuloy-tuloy na… kasi matagal pa matatapos (In terms of skills, almost everyone can keep up. Mentally, everyone is prepared—even if the opponent is leading, we have a healthy pause then we bounce back. The mentality of the team is really there and it should be continuous… because the end is still far),” he said in a press conference.

Overachieving reinforcements

While FEU’s new players showed glimpses of talent during the preseason, their readiness for a championship campaign was not set in stone. Despite this, the rookies have outperformed expectations, acting as key pieces to the green-and-gold team’s success.

Outside hitter Mikko Espartero filled his starting role well, placing first in the best spikers category, third in the Most Valuable Player race, and seventh in both the best scorers and best servers list. His 27-point outing against De La Salle University last March 15 to complete the Morayta squad’s first round sweep also earned him the latest POW award.

On the defensive side, rookie libero Vennie Ceballos has been consistent in being a floor anchor, ranking first in digging and third in receiving, while foreign student-athlete Doula Ndongala has been efficient enough to be the league’s third best blocker.

Other additions, such as Amet Bituin, Luis Miguel, Kyle Tandoc, Charles Absin, and Rhodson Duot, have yet to see extensive playing time, but assistant coach Rene Dulay expressed the coaches’ trust in all their players.

“Nagkaroon ng mindset ang coaches, in case na mayroong hindi talaga makapag-deliver sa first six, naka-ready ‘yung second group… Sinasabi naming ‘pag ang mga kuya niyo, medyo nagla-lapse ang laro, laging kailangan mag-step up kayo (The coaches had a mindset that in case there’s someone in the first six who doesn’t deliver, the second group is ready… We tell them that if your older brothers are having lapses, you need to step up),” he stated.

Chemistry like no other

Above all else, the Morayta-based squad’s bread and butter throughout the tournament has been their bond and familiarity with each other.

Setters Benny Martinez and Ariel Cacao are both in the top ten of their position despite sharing minutes, showcasing their efficient offense on the floor.

Going into the second round, FEU is second in spiking, blocking, and setting, and third in serving, digging, and receiving. This puts them as the only UAAP school in the top three of all categories—the ultimate testament to the well-oiled machine otherwise known as the Tamaraws.

With the title within reach, Saavedra made sure to highlight the value of consistency and enjoyment as they play.

“Palagi naming napag-uusapan sa team ‘yung consistency na hindi dapat mawawala… ‘Yung enjoyment [din] talaga kasi dun namin napapalabas ‘yung best namin and makikita mo na sobrang gaan lang gumalaw (Our team always talks about how the consistency shouldn’t disappear… The enjoyment too because that’s when our best comes out and you can see that it’s very easy to move),” he shared.

Meanwhile, Orcullo mentioned how the mix of their chemistry and dedication can help them succeed.

“‘Yung dedication ‘tsaka ‘yung hard work, samahan natin ng magandang pamilya sa team, talagang alam mo ‘yung result, makikita sa dulo (Dedication and hard work, combine that with the familial bond of the team, you will really see the result in the end),” the head tactician remarked.

With all pieces in place while being fueled by last season’s heartbreak, the green-and-gold community’s support, and their unified hunger for success, FEU has proven that they are primed to complete their championship run. 

Their second round campaign will officially begin against UST tomorrow, March 23, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

(Photo by Karch Rafael/FEU Advocate)