By Vince Matthew Jaramilla

Despite having his first full game of the season, Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Amet Bituin took charge to conquer the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles, 25-21, 19-25, 25-23, 25-23, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament earlier today, April 9, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The rookie outside spiker scored a game-high 17 points on 16 attacks and an ace, topped off by nine excellent receptions and three digs.

In the post-game press conference, Bituin mentioned how the people around him motivated him to do his best ever since their practice sessions.

“Kahapon pa po sa ensayo, tinry na po na ako ‘yung itaya ni Coach [Eddieson Orcullo]… Sabi ko, ‘Nandiyan ‘yung mga teammates and coaches ko—‘andiyan din si Lord,’ so walang imposible na magawa ko ‘yung best ko (During our practice yesterday, Coach already tried to utilize me inside the court… I said, my ‘My teammates and coaches are there—the Lord is there,’ so there’s nothing impossible keeping me from doing my best),” he said.

The Tamaraws took time to separate from the Blue Eagles until 12-12 in the first set, but their attacking edge and cleaner play showed as they pushed to 16-12.

Despite Ateneo calling for a breather, FEU remained steady to keep their lead until Mikko Espartero’s closer hit, 25-21.

The second frame saw an error-filled 9-14 start from the green-and-gold squad. Unfortunately, forcing a seesaw affair was not enough for the Tamaraws, giving up a 19-25 set loss.

With the lead quickly stretching to 2-6 in the third set, Coach Eddieson made the choice of switching from Espartero to Kyle Tandoc. Afterwards, the battle went back-and-forth once again.

As the both teams stood close to set point at 23-23, a service error from AdMU’s Jian Salarzon and a Lirick Mendoza block against Kennedy Batas gave way for another frame for the Orcullo-led squad.

The Morayta-based spikers’ momentum showed in the fourth frame, marked by their 20-11 surge. However, the Katipunan squad came right back to press FEU with a 3-10 slump.

Fortunately, Bituin came up clutch with back-to-back attacks to counter the Eagles’ late efforts and put an end to the match, 25-23.

With this win, the Tamaraws have secured a twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals.

In the same conference, Orcullo stressed how the players like Bituin are always ready to perform, without coincidences in their good performances.

“Wala kaming ginagawa na hindi alam ng bawat isa. Sa tingin siguro ng outside na circle, may ‘magic bunot’ [pero] sa’min kasi, bago gawin, walang confusion… ‘Yung tiwala… basta nag-e-enjoy kami sa match, ‘yun naman ‘yung pinakaimportante sa’min (We don’t do anything that’s not known by everyone else. For the outside circle, it may seem like there’s a ‘magic pick’ but before we do anything, there’s no confusion… The trust… as long as we enjoy the match, that’s what’s most important),” he stated.

Coach Eddieson also highlighted their mantra of seizing the moment as the key difference in them clinching a twice-to-beat postseason spot.

“‘Yung taya ng tao, hindi niyo hinahanap ‘yung taong nawala, ang difference lang siguro, may kanya-kanyang time, eh. Kung [kailan] mo gagampanan ‘yung pagkakataon mo… ‘Yung lagi nating sinasabing ‘seize the moment’ (The buy-in of the person, you don’t look for the players who left, the difference is that everyone has their time to make use of their chances… It’s how we always say to ‘seize the moment’),” the tactician added.

Lirick Mendoza had timely contributions, delivering four attacks and a season-high eight blocks. Hitters Dryx Saavedra and Espartero also helped in scoring with 11 and 10 markers, respectively.

Still standing above the rest of the teams with an 11-1 win-loss record, the Orcullo-led squad will eye for another win against Adamson University on Saturday, April 12, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

(Photo by Karch Rafael/FEU Advocate)