By Joshua Kyle Beltran

Despite a slow start, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws hammered down the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, 19-25, 25-19, 26-24, 25-11, to start the second round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s volleyball tourney earlier today, March 18, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Back on the taraflex just four days after the end of the first round, the Tamaraws seemed to struggle in the opening set, 10-15.

Suffering a six-point deficit, the Morayta-based squad ultimately failed to find their groove early, 19-25.

In the second set, Lirick Mendoza chipped in two consecutive spikes to lift FEU to 10-6. However, it was not long until UE attempted to catch up, 14-12.

Anchoring on Charles Absin’s quick attacks to widen the gap, it was now the green-and-gold’s spikers turn to claim a 25-19 set win.

Due to multiple deadlocks from the 7-7 to 11-11 mark, FEU’s rhythm was constantly being disrupted in the third frame. Fortunately, they were able to reclaim the lead by five, 18-13.

Almost slipping at the last minute, 24-24, Mikko Espartero played hero with two cross-court spikes, 26-24. 

With momentum finally in full swing by the fourth set, the Tamaraws spearheaded a 6-0 frenzy to lead by double digits, 14-4.

Sure enough, the green-and-gold squad sealed the deal, 25-11.

During the post-game conference, FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo expected that their first set mishaps were a result of teams trying to move up the ranks. 

“[Sa] second round, talagang babawi talaga ‘yung bawat isa na team. ‘Yung nangyari nung first set, hindi talaga umabot sa gusto nating mangyari, kaya baka naging shaky ‘yung bawat isa (Everyone will be out to get us. What happened in the first set, we did not attain the result we wanted, that’s why we were a bit shaky),” he said.

Luis Miguel, who just came from a knee injury in the first round, mentioned his joy at being able to play again.

“Sobrang sarap po sa pakiramdam ngayon na mabigyan ng tiwala. Nasa mindset ko lang po talaga kanina is mag-perform nang maayos (It feels good to be given the trust to play. My focus now is just to play my best),” he shared.

Spearheading the scoring department were Dryx Saavedra and Amet Bituin with 15 points apiece. Meanwhile, Mendoza and Esparero chipped in 12 and 10 markers, respectively.

Leading the standings at an 8-0 win-loss record, the Morayta-based squad look to continue their dominance as they face five-time defending champs National University on Sunday, March 22, at the same venue.

(Photo by Ma. Louela Luna/FEU Advocate)