By Leiniel A. Santos

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw rookies Amet Bituin and Mikko Espartero poured in huge assists as the team came out victorious against National University (NU) Bulldogs, 22-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-22, 15-13, in game one of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament finals earlier today, May 11, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Bituin was the second-leading scorer with 16 points from 13 attacks and three blocks, while Espartero had a double-double performance of 10 points, all from attacks, and an impressive 26 excellent receptions.

During the post-game conference, Bituin mentioned his commitment to the team and how he poured his heart out during this game.

“Sa’kin po kasi, kinommit ko lang talaga ‘yung sarili ko sa team and sabi ko lahat ng ibibigay sa’kin, kailangan pusuan ko kasi ‘yun po ‘yung [inisip] namin the last days, eh, na kailangan lahat ng gagawin mo [galing] sa puso mo (For me, I committed myself to my team and I said that I will give everything I have to give, as we really need to pour our hearts out, and that’s what we have been thinking for the last days. That we need to do everything from our hearts),” he shared.

Rookie Vennie Ceballos also added magnificent numbers on defense with 14 excellent digs and 20 excellent receptions.

FEU started the match under pressure as defending champs NU dominated with 15 attacks against only eight from the Tamaraws.

The green-and-gold squad was then able to capitalize on the Bulldogs' faults to close the gap to 22-24, but an error from Dryx Saavedra’s attack cost them the opening set.

The second frame became a much closer set, but still, both teams suffered from their errors, especially in the service line.

With a 20-20 deadlock, Saavedra’s ace propelled the Tamaraws’ 5-2 scoring run to tie the match with one set apiece.

In the third set, the Bulldogs had a resounding bounceback as they manned the net with four kill blocks to control the pace.

Tamaraw Bituin’s few sparks were not enough to catch up with NU, 13-25.

Struggling rookie Espartero then delivered when he was brought back in the fourth set to add firepower to FEU’s offense.

NU was able to bring down the lead by two with Michaelo Buddin leading, 24-22, but a crucial service error from Ordiales opened the green-and-gold to stretch the game into a fifth and deciding set.

The top two teams then showed alternate periods of dominance, with Saavedra for FEU and Buddin for NU.

Fortunately, the Tamaraws were able to contribute more from Lirick Mendoza’s clutch blocks and Bituin’s added force.

Just like his performance throughout the season, Saavedra still continued to show his offensive prowess with 25 points from 21 attacks, three blocks, and an ace. Meanwhile, Ariel Cacao set the rhythm of his team with 27 excellent sets.

Tamaraws head coach Eddieson Orcullo mentioned that their eagerness to win the finals has been their source of strength.

“Gutom kami, eh, kaya siguro gano'n ‘yung [nangyari]... Palagi naming sinasabi sa boys na pilitin nating kunin kasi nag-prepare naman tayo, eh, prepared naman ‘yung team (We were hungry for it, that’s probably why [that happened]... We always tell the boys to really push to get it because we prepared for this),” he stated.

The Orcullo-led squad will look to close out the championship series early in game two on Wednesday, May 14, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

(Photo by Karch Rafael/FEU Advocate)