By Vince Matthew Jaramilla

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws head coach Ed Orcullo emphasized the team’s need for constant hunger as they dominated the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons in straight sets, 25-21, 25-16, 25-18, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 men’s volleyball tourney earlier today, February 19, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

“Masarap marinig sa players natin na kahit sino sa kanila, magiging effective. Siguro, ‘wag lang makuntento sa kung anong mayroon ngayon… Kailangan ‘di lang tumigil ‘yung bawat isa sa gusto naming mangyari (It’s nice to hear from the players that whoever touches the floor can be effective. Maybe, they just shouldn’t be content on what we have right now… Everyone should not stop striving for what we want to happen),” he said.

Morayta setter Benny Martinez utilized all his hitters immediately, with each one already on the board at 10-9 in the first frame.

The Tamaraws’ shared offense eventually increased the lead to six near the end of the set, 23-17. However, a 4-0 UP run prompted Orcullo to give rookie Amet Bituin his first collegiate minutes in exchange for Mikko Espartero.

Bituin quickly made use of the opportunity with a point, before middle blocker Lirick Mendoza’s set-sealing spike, 25-21.

In the second set, the green-and-gold squad had an even better start, already holding another six-point lead at 11-5 which forced the maroon side to sue for time.

This time around, rookie hitters Kyle Tandoc and Luis Miguel were the ones to see the UAAP senior floor for the first time, both leaving their marks with two points apiece and helping FEU cruise to the 25-16 second-set win.

Despite momentum on their side going into the third frame, the Tamaraws did not get away easily as the Fighting Maroons went toe-to-toe for every point, reaching their eighth deadlock at 14-14.

Fortunately, the Morayta-based squad raised their offensive intensity in the latter half, mounting an 11-4 run to mark their second Season 87 victory, 25-18.

Hitters Dryx Saavedra and Espartero led the scoring department with 13 and 10 markers, respectively.

With the straight-set win giving way for their rookies’ playing time, Orcullo mentioned the need for them to showcase their passion whenever they compete.

“‘Yung mga bata kasi na ‘yan, kahit sino gamitin mo, talagang gustong-gusto makapasok du’n sa court… hindi naman kami tumitigil sa ginagawa namin kaya siguro ‘yun din nagiging motivation nila. Pagpasok inside the court, ‘yung init ng bawat isa, kailangang maipakita nila (Those kids, whoever you use, they really want to be on the court… We don’t stop what we’re doing so I think that becomes their motivation. When they go inside the court, the fire within them should be visible),” the lead tactician stated.

Coach Ed also highlighted their need for a stronger and more motivated team going into their next game against defending champion National University (NU).

“Kailangan lang tibayan namin ‘yung bawat isa. ‘Yung motivation namin, kailangan hindi masira. ‘Yung preparation namin, kailangan trabahuhin pa (We just need to strengthen each other. Our motivation should not be broken. Our preparation should be worked for even more),” he added.

The Orcullo-led squad will face NU on Sunday, February 23, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

(Photo by Karch Rafael/FEU Advocate)