By Marcus Isaac D.G. Bandong

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws cruised past the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors with another impressive straight-set win, 25-20, 25-23, 25-23, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s volleyball tourney earlier today, February 18, at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila City.

Going in hot, the Morayta-based squad's offense was powered by Doula Ndongala and Lirick Mendoza's powerful attacks against the Recto-based squad, 18-12.

To close out the first set, FEU dismantled UE's floor defense and utilized their errors, 25-20.

Though they started strong, the green-and-gold squad could not handle the red-and-white's quick offense to start the second set, 8-12.

Fortunately, Mendoza's offensive prowess against UE reigned once again, tallying the score back to a deadlock, 16-all.

With the help of Saavedra's consecutive attacks, FEU closed out the Recto-based squad's defense, 25-23.

After owning the first two sets, the Tamaraws kept the lead at bay courtesy of Mikko Espartero's powerful spikes over the Red Warriors, 16-12.

However, the green-and-gold squad got stunned by the red-and-white squad's offensive surge that cut the lead to one, 23-22.

In dire need of a point, Espartero's powerful spike and UE's error secured the narrow third set win, 25-23.

In the post-game conference, FEU lead tactician Eddieson Orcullo gave credit towards the team's resilience despite their opponent's great defense.

"Respect doon sa opponent namin—sa UE—kasi nakita niyo naman 'yung game ng UE, ayaw magbigay ng puntos... Thank you din sa boys kasi na-overcome namin 'yung bagay na iyon (Respect to our opponent, UE. Because you guys saw how they were not letting us score... I'll give thanks to the boys because we ultimately overcame those hurdles)," Orcullo said.

After leading the Tamaraws with 16 points built on 11 attacks, four blocks, and one service ace, Mendoza also commended his teammates on their impressive execution all throughout the match.

"Nalaro ko 'yung best ko sa laro na 'to, kudos lang din sa teammates ko kasi 'yung mga napag-usapan namin kagabi, nagawa namin sa game na ‘to (I played my best this game. Also, kudos to my teammates because we executed what we planned last night)," he shared.

To add to the team’s balanced attacks, Saavedra and Ndongala finished with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

With a strong 2-0 start, the Morayta-based squad seeks to continue their hot streak against defending champs National University on Saturday, February 21, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

(Photo by Ma. Louela Luna/FEU Advocate)