By Leiniel A. Santos

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws overcame the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Spikers to stretch winning record, 25-18, 20-25, 25-22, 25-17, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament earlier today, February 21, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The Tamaraws kicked off the match on a high note with Ariel Cacao activating all of his starting hitters.

While Noel Kampton tried to put pressure with his heavy serves, FEU’s Martin Bugaoan stepped up by scoring five points in the first set to clinch an early advantage.

However, the green-and-gold squad were unable to bring their momentum in the second frame as La Salle’s JM Ronquillo and Vince Maglinao’s attacks were held unstoppable, extending the match.

The green-and-white shirts successfully tie the match with one set apiece as Maglinao’s attack ends the second set.

In the post-game conference, FEU Head Coach Eddieson Orcullo talked about the importance of keeping their composure as they head on to the third set.

“Ready kami na kukunin talaga ng La Salle ‘yung [second] set na ‘yun eh… Kailangan lang matuunan ulit ‘yung mind ng isa’t isa [at] bumalik sa composure (We were ready that La Salle will get that second set… We have to focus on the mind of each other and bring back our composure),” he said.

During the third set, both teams already got their groove as the Morayta-based squad started to challenge the momentum of DLSU.

After a 14-point deadlock between both teams, the Orcullo-led team managed to pull away and defend their lead.

Entering the fourth set, FEU took advantage of the errors of DLSU as Bugaoan once again showed great prowess through the help of Cacao, who tallied 24 excellent sets in the whole duration of the game.

As the green-and-gold squad put pressure into the offense of La Salle’s trio of Noel Kampton, Maglinao, and Roquillo, the Taft-based squad struggled to force a fifth set.

Cacao added that their first two wins in the season will help them to be more confident in their upcoming matches.

“Magandang simula sa’min ‘to kasi dalawang panalo agad ‘yung season namin, kaya mas magkaka-kumpyansa pa ‘yung team and sana mas maging maganda pa ‘yung performance namin sa mga susunod na game (This is a great start for us because we already started with two wins this season, that’s why the team will have more confidence and hopefully, our performance will be better in the games to come),” the playmaker stated.

Three Tamaraws scored in double digits as sophomore Dryx Saavedra had 20 points from 18 attacks and two blocks, Bugaoan came with a 16-point performance, and Andrei Delicana made 13 markers to end the match.

FEU is now one of the top teams with a 2-0 win-loss record, and will attempt to build a three-game winning streak against the University of the East on Sunday, February 25, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

(Photo by Jan Dendiego/FEU Advocate)