By Krizza Gabrielle Tabora

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws secured a twice-to-beat advantage after a commanding straight-set sweep, 25-23, 25-18, 25-17, over the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons during the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament earlier today, April 12, at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila City.

During the opening set, the Tamaraws failed to gain an early advantage over the Fighting Maroons despite multiple attack attempts, 12-16.

However, a scoring surge from Dryx Saavedra and Luis Miguel brought them back the lead, before a block point by Lirick Mendoza sealed the first set for the green-and-gold team, 25-23.

The Morayta-based squad immediately asserted their dominance in the second frame, with Charles Absin anchoring the defense to widen the margin, 18-9.

Christian Paul Salboro, Kyle Tandoc, and Judi Garriedo also delivered multiple attacks for FEU, 25-18.

During the third frame, Reynan Postorioso delivered three points to keep the green-and-gold squad in the lead, 20-14.

Ultimately, a service ace from Doula Ndongala solidified the twice-to-beat bonus for the Morayta-based team, 25-17.

Absin clinched Player of the Game honors with 11 points from six attacks and five blocks. Meanwhile, Saavedra scored nine markers built on six attacks and three aces, followed by Mendoza with eight points from five attacks and three blocks.

With this as the third season that the Tamaraws have clinched a twice-to-beat advantage, Cacao emphasized that the team has matured compared to the last seasons.

“Isa sa mga sigurado na [nag-improve] sa’min as a team [ay] ‘yung maturity at exposure ng bawat isa. Kasi sa tagal namin magkakasama, sa mga pinagdaanan namin na magkakasama, alam ko na isa ako sa mga patunay sa mga teammates ko na grabe ‘yung maturity nila (One of the things that I’m certain has improved within our team is everyone’s maturity and exposure. Because of how long we’ve been together and everything we’ve gone through as a group, I can testify that my teammates have shown maturity),” he stated during the post-game conference.

Moreover, green-and-gold head coach Eddieson Orcullo aims for consistency in their remaining games.

"‘Yung ginagawa ngayon ay sana magdire-diretso hanggang dulo bilang preparation doon sa pagpasok namin sa semis. Sana lang walang magbago, walang madiskaril sa ginagawa namin (We hope to maintain this consistency until the end as we prepare for the semifinals. Hopefully, nothing changes and nothing derails our progress),” he shared.

Now sitting tall at the first spot with a secured semifinals appearance, FEU looks to strengthen their confidence in their game against Adamson University on Saturday, April 18, at the same venue.
(Photo courtesy of Maximo Dela Cruz/FEU Athletics)