By Krizza Gabrielle Tabora

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws endured the same fate as last season against the National University (NU) Bulldogs, 24-26, 22-25, 22-25, ending as silver medalists in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s volleyball Finals earlier today, May 9, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Last season, FEU also fell short of a championship title against NU as they finished their Season 87 campaign as first runners-up.

The Tamaraws trailed by three points behind the Bulldogs during the opening set despite Lirick Mendoza and Mikko Espartero’s offensive efforts, 9-12.

Eventually, the green-and-gold squad caught up to the blue-and-gold team’s lead before falling just two points behind, 24-26.

In the second frame, the Morayta-based squad went point-for-point with the Jhocson-based team with multiple attacks from Dryx Saavedra and Espartero, 13-13.

However, FEU couldn’t keep their close lead after failing to contain Bulldog Michaelo Buddin’s attacks, 22-25.

During the final set, Christian Paul Salboro, Espartero, and Saavedra delivered multiple attacks in an attempt to close in on NU’s five point lead, 10-15.

Despite their collective efforts, however, the Tamaraws’ championship hopes came to an end after failing to contain a spike from Obed Mukaba, 22-25.

In spite of the loss, Espartero led the team’s scoring with 17 points from 14 attacks, 2 service aces, and one block, with Amet Bituin contributing 10 attacks. 

During the post-game conference, Saavedra shared that despite the heartbreak, he remains proud of what the team has achieved after all the sacrifices they have made.

“Siguro, ako, still proud pa rin kasi nga sobrang dami rin naming napagdaanan and hindi biro lahat ng pinagdaanan namin. Lahat naman siguro ng sacrifices, lahat ng ginawa namin nag-pay off pa rin, pero ayun nga, kinapos lang. Hindi pa naman dito nagtatapos ang journey namin (For me, I’m still proud because we went through so much, and what we endured was no joke. I think all the sacrifices and everything we did still paid off, but we just fell short. Still, our journey doesn’t end here),” he stated.

Moreover, Tamaraws head coach Eddieson Orcullo acknowledged the continued support of the green-and-gold community for the men’s volleyball team.

“Gusto ko lang din magpasalamat ulit dun sa mga sumusuporta sa men’s volleyball. ‘Wag sana kayo magsawa, ‘wag sana kayo maglaho sa FEU community. I’m sure [na] may mga salita diyan na ‘di natin gusto… pero siguro as a coach, lagi ko sinasabi sa mga boys ko na lumaban kami nang lumaban, ‘di naman ito ‘yung katapusan ng mundo (I just want to thank those who support men’s volleyball. I hope you don’t get tired of it; I hope you don’t disappear from the FEU community. I’m sure there are things people say out there that we don't like, but as a coach, I always tell my boys to keep on fighting. This isn't the end of the world),” Orcullo expressed.

Graduating with a silver trophy, Benny Martinez played his final year as a Tamaraw. Meanwhile, seniors Ariel Cacao and Saavedra have yet to confirm if they will use their last playing years.

Unlike Season 87, in which they were able to win the first game of the championship series, the Morayta-based team was not able to clinch a Finals victory this year.

(Photo by Shane Claudine Rodulfo/FEU Advocate)