By Fibby Ann Mercado

Despite a seesaw battle in the third set, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws secured the victory against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 25-14, 25-22, 28-26, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 88 men’s volleyball tourney earlier today, March 8, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The game opened with both teams trading service errors, until the Tamaraws took the lead with an attack by Mikko Espartero, 4-3.

As the match continued, the Fighting Maroons managed to score consecutive points, 18-12. However, Lirick Mendoza responded with a strong scoring run to extend the lead, 21-12. 

The Morayta-based squad remained dominant down the stretch, reaching set point at 24-14 off Doula Ndongala’s off-the-block hit before he sealed the set with a block, 25-14.

The green-and-gold team carried their early momentum into the second set, but the maroon-and-white squad rallied to close the gap, 11-11. The Tamaraws, however, regained control with consecutive block points by Ndongala, 14-11.

With Charles Absin's quick middle attack to reach set point, Dryx Saavedra sealed the frame with a strong finishing spike, 25-22.

In the third set, FEU built an early lead with Ariel Cacao’s service ace and strong attacks from Espartero and Amet Bituin to maintain control, 17-14.

However, UP fought back with offensive attacks and blocks, leading to a 23-23 deadlock. Multiple stalemates took place, 26-26, before Bituin delivered crucial attacks to close the game at 28-26.

In the post-game conference, Tamaraws head coach Eddieson Orcullo commented on the team’s struggle during the last set.

“Siguro, naging ano lang, ‘yung counterattack medyo kinapos lang nang bahagya kaya nagkaroon ng ganoong scenario. Pero okay naman po ngayon (Maybe it was just a bit lacking; our counterattack was slightly off, which led to that situation. But it’s okay now),” he stated.

Moreover, Player of the Game Bituin acknowledged that the team must maintain consistency.

“‘Yun nga po, kagaya ng pinag-uusapan namin, kailangan po namin maging consistent despite sa mga nangyayari sa amin. Kailangan mas puliduhin pa namin ‘yung mga galaw namin, at bigay pa namin ‘yung very best namin, at ‘wag kami maging kampante (As we discussed, we need to stay consistent despite what’s happening to us. We need to further polish our movements, give our very best, and not be complacent)," he reflected.

FEU’s offensive output was powered by Bituin’s 17 points, followed by Ndongala with 12 markers and Saavedra with 9.

Leading the scoreboard with a 6-0 win-loss record, the Morayta-based squad will look to close out the first round undefeated against the University of Santo Tomas on Saturday, March 14, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

(Photo by James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)