By Dwyane Harry Cabrera

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws secured a holiday triumph against University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Spikers, 25-16, 34-36, 25-17, 25-18, to seal their Final Four appearance in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament earlier today, March 29, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

Doula Ndongala sizzled from the get-go, scoring three out of the Tamaraws’ six points, which forced UST to use an early timeout, 6-1.

The green-and-gold squad pulled away midway through the opening frame with a decisive 5-1 run, using timely attacks to take over. Ndongala capped off the surge with a spike as FEU secured the first set, 25-16.

In contrast to their strong start, the Morayta-based team struggled to maintain momentum in the second set, falling behind at 8-15 before rallying to a 16-all deadlock.

Despite Mikko Espartero scoring nine points in the extended frame, the green-and-gold squad ultimately fell to Josh Ybañez and the Growling Tigers’ offensive barrage, 34-36.

In a seven-all setting in the third set, the Ariel Cacao-led squad broke through, creating a commanding 16-10 advantage.

Capitalizing on their rhythm, FEU eventually won the set as UST dug their own grave after three attack errors, 25-17.

Bituin, Dryx Saavedra, and Lirick Mendoza powered the Tamaraws to go point by point, 14-14, in the fourth set.

It was yet again Saavedra who powered the team in the final rallies, until a block from Mendoza ended the game, 25-18.

In the post-game press conference, Morayta-based head coach Eddieson Orcullo shared how they anticipated the pressure in competing against the Tigers in their home court. 

“‘Yung game, siguro talagang hinandaan namin ‘yung moment na maglalaro kami sa bahay ng UST… Ine-expect ko talaga na mapupuno talaga ‘yung arena natin ng tao na taga-UST… So far, naging maganda naman ‘yung result (We really prepared for this moment of playing in UST’s den. I expected that the arena would be filled by Thomasians. But so far, we got the result we wanted),” he said.

Meanwhile, Player of the Game Saavedra pointed out how the team needed to keep their composure during the 45-minute long second set.

“Pinili namin mag-compose. May part ng game kanina na sobrang down kami, and talagang nahihirapan kami lalo na nagkakagulo na rin kami sa loob… Kitang kita naman sa lahat na gusto na tapusin ‘yung game… so talagang ginawa na namin ‘yung best namin (We chose to compose ourselves. There was a part of the game where we were very down, and we were struggling internally. It was evident that we wanted to finish the game, so we did our best),” he shared.

Orchestrating the team’s offensive play was Cacao with 24 excellent sets, while Saavedra launched 21 markers built on 17 attacks, two aces, and two blocks.

Meanwhile, Mikko Espartero posted a double-double performance with 13 points and 13 excellent receptions, followed by Bituin’s 15 markers. 

With the team gaining their Final Four ticket at a 9-1 win-loss record, they look to improve their standing for a chance at a twice-to-beat advantage against De La Salle University next week Wednesday, April 8, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

(Photo by Melvin James Urubio/FEU Advocate)