By Dwyane Harry L. Cabrera

Reigniting their Finals rivalry last season, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws took sweet revenge over the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 22-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-20, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s volleyball tourney earlier today, February 21, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

In the opening set, the Morayta-based squad lost their early lead, 15-16, but the Tamaraws fought back to force deadlocks from 16-16 to 21-21.

Unfortunately, the green-and-gold squad were not able to fend off the Bulldogs’ offense until the first set ended on a rotation error on FEU’s side, 22-25.

Looking to bounce back after their first set loss, Lirick Mendoza stood tall when it mattered most, chipping in four markers out of their 5-1 run, 20-15.

FEU stayed composed as the blue-and-gold squad launched timely attacks. Fortunately, Dryx Saavedra closed the second set with a cross-court shot, 25-21.

Going into the third frame, the Tamaraws accepted an early 1-4 beating from the Bulldogs, but FEU quickly answered for a 8-6 lead.

In an all-11 setting, the green-and-gold team unleashed an 8-1 blitz spearheaded by middle blockers Doula Ndongala and Mendoza, before they wrapped the set at 25-17.

Banking on their momentum through the fourth set, the Tamaraws' timely offense put them up to a commanding 19-11 advantage.

Despite absorbing a 0-5 skid, newly subbed Kyle Tandoc brought back the rhythm to the Morayta-based squad that closed the match, 25-20.

In the post-game conference Tamaraws head coach Eddieson Orcullo shared how they prepared for their returning matchup against NU.

“‘Yung game talagang ano, eh ,pinag-prepare-an namin nang maigi. Tapos ‘yung players sa matchup ng mga tao, kung sino dapat ang bigyan ng service angle [at] paano umatake ‘yung bawat isa (We really prepared hard for that game. We matched up the players, who should be given the service angles, and how each one attacks),” he said.

On the other hand, Tandoc expressed how last year’s loss continuously fuels them.

“For me, as someone na nasa labas ng court, ‘yung last game namin laban sa NU, parang ‘yun na ‘yung frustration, pero ‘yung experience ayon ‘yung nagdala samin, nag-push sa’min na talunin [sila] ngayong year na ito (For me, as someone who is a bench player, last year’s game against NU is the frustration, but that is the experience that brought us here, that pushed us to beat them this year),” he mentioned.

Mendoza helped lift FEU with 17 markers built on 13 attacks, 3 blocks and one ace, while Amet Bituin and Saavedra chipped in 16 and 15 points, respectively.

Now leading with a 3-0 win-loss record, the Tamaraws seek to stretch their winning streak against Adamson University next Sunday, March 1, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

(Photo by James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)