By Aine Peralta

Lirick Mendoza propelled the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws to a hard-fought four set victory over the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Spikers, 28-30, 25-22, 25-17, 25-22, to secure a sweep in the first round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament earlier today, March 14, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Mendoza earned Player of the Game (POG) honors after finishing with 17 points built on 13 attacks and four blocks, while also contributing six excellent receptions in a balanced all-around performance.

The Tamaraws battled through a tense opening set, rallying from a four-point deficit to force extra points and extend the frame, 24-24.

However, the Morayta-based team failed to mount a comeback as the Golden Spikers regained control in the closing stretch, with Josh Ybañez delivering the set-clinching point, 28-30.

FEU responded in the second set behind steady scoring from Mendoza, Dryx Saavedra, Mikko Espartero, and key contributions from Charles Absin and Ariel Cacao to level the match, 25-22.

With momentum on their side, the Tamaraws strengthened their net defense and sustained offensive pressure throughout the third frame, with Absin delivering multiple block points and Mendoza continuing to anchor the attack, 14-11.

Capitalizing on UST’s errors, the green-and-gold squad pulled away late to claim the set, 25-17.

In the fourth stretch, the FEU spikers weathered multiple deadlocks before Mendoza’s clutch plays—capped by a block that pushed the lead to three—igniting a run that allowed the squad to surge ahead and secure the victory, 25-22.

During the post-game conference, Saavedra emphasized the team’s focus on discipline and consistency in sealing the unblemished run. 

“Pinilit namin maging consistent kasi alam namin na kailangan ng maturity. ‘Yung FEU ngayon, hindi na masasabi na isang tao lang. Lahat [ay] total effort. Sobrang ganda ng ginagawa ng team (We pushed to stay consistent because we knew that we needed that maturity. You can’t say this FEU team is just a one-man team. It’s a total team effort, and what the team is doing right now is really special),” he said.

Meanwhile, middle blocker Absin stated that he mentally readies himself before every game, fully aware of his role and purpose within the team.

“Before every game, nire-ready ko na ‘yung sarili ko at alam ko ‘yung role and purpose ko. Kapag pumasok na po sa laro, wala nang ayawan—ibibigay ko na ‘yung lahat, lalo na sa mga pressure moments kasi doon ako mas nag-e-enjoy (Before every game, I prepare myself and stay focused on my role and purpose. Once I enter the game, there’s no backing down—I give it my all, especially in high-pressure moments because that’s where I have more fun),” the middle blocker stated.

FEU head coach Ed Orcullo noted that the teams were competitive on both sides of the net, but pointed to unforced errors, particularly in service, as the difference-maker.

“‘Yung game laban sa UST, mataas talaga ang labanan dahil sa matagal nang rivalry nila. Pareho naming alam ng coaches at players ‘yung isa’t isa, kaya pantay ang laban sa ibabaw. Siguro nagkatalo lang talaga sa service errors (The game against UST is always high-stakes because of our long-standing rivalry. Both the coaches and the players know each other’s moves, so it’s an even matchup. I think it really just came down to the service errors),” he shared. 

With five players scoring in double digits, Saavedra led the Tamaraws with 17 points, while Espartero added 14 points and anchored the floor with 24 excellent receptions. Meanwhile, Bituin contributed 12 points, and Absin tallied 10 markers on six attacks and four blocks.

With the win, the Morayta-based squad maintained its unbeaten start for the second straight season, sending a strong statement to the rest of the league entering the second round.

(Photo by James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)