By Krizza Gabrielle Tabora

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws failed to secure an early advantage against the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 25-21, 19-25, 25-21, 20-25, 8-15, in the first game of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s volleyball Finals earlier today, May 6, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Tamaraws went point-for-point during the opening set until Amet Bituin took control of the green-and-gold squad’s offensive efforts, 25-21.

In the second frame, however, FEU tallied multiple attack errors which were capitalized on by NU, 8-11.

Despite numerous attacks from Mikko Espartero and Dryx Saavedra, the Morayta-based squad eventually faltered after Bulldog Leo Ordiales delivered a spike, 19-25.

With the green-and-gold team aiming for a comeback, Lirick Mendoza anchored the team’s net defense during the third set to break the deadlock, 20-19.

Eventually, a service ace and an off-the-block spike from Bituin sealed the frame for the Tamaraws, 25-21.

In the fourth set, FEU failed to subdue Ordiales and Jade Disquitado’s spikes, leaving them trailing by five points, 9-14.

With the hopes of leading the Final series, the Morayta-based team delivered back-to-back points to regain their advantage. However, despite their attempts to close the margin, a crucial service error from Mendoza and a block from Ordiales led the match into a fifth set, 20-25.

The green-and-gold squad started out slow during the final frame, failing to catch up to the Jhocson-based team’s six-point run, 0-6.

Despite Rhodson Du-ot, Espartero, and Bituin’s combined efforts for a comeback attempt, the Tamaraws failed to suppress the Bulldogs, 8-15.

During the post-game conference, the Jhocson-based squad’s head coach Dante Alinsunurin underscored the high-stakes nature of the games.

"Lagi ko naman silang nire-remind sa ginagawa at kung nasaan sila at kung ano ang kakayahan nila. As long as naglalaro kami para tumulong sa team, talagang sinasabi namin sa kanila na mag-perform sila and kung ano man ‘yung nagiging experience nila sa labas, i-share nila (I always remind them of where they are and what they’re capable of. As long as we play so we can help the team, we always tell them to do their best and whatever experience they gained, they should share it),” he stated.

Saavedra led the team’s scoring with 20 points from 16 attacks, two blocks, and two service aces, while Espartero delivered 14 markers built on 13 spikes and one block. Moreover, Bituin also tallied 14 points from 12 attacks, one block, and one service ace.

FEU looks to hold on to their championship hopes as they face NU once again in the second game of the Finals series this Saturday, May 9, at the same venue.

(Photo by Nirel Josh Sebastian/FEU Advocate)