The Far Eastern University Tamaraws and the National University Bulldogs have secured a spot in the final four of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament after their respective victories against the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles and the University of the East Lady Red Warriors on Wednesday, April 9.
The Tamaraws secured the twice-to-beat advantage, holding the top spot in the standings with an 11-1 record. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are already assured of at least a spot in the final four with a 10-2 win-loss record.
The University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers and the De La Salle University Green Spikers are still tied in the third and fourth spot with an identical 7-4 win-loss record. Also contending for a spot in the final four are the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, who sit at the fifth spot with a 6-6 record.
The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, Adamson University Soaring Falcons, and University of the East Red Warriors are already eliminated from contention.
Here’s everything you missed on April 9’s gameday of the UAAP Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
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For the first time, Amet Bituin played as a starter, and he delivered 17 big points in 16 attacks in the Far Eastern University Tamaraws 25-21, 19-25, 25-23, 25-23 victory against the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles.
Lirick Mendoza contributed 12 points in eight blocks and four attacks, while Zhydryx Saavedra added 11 points. Mikko Espartero scored 10 points.
For the Blue Eagles, Amil Pacinio scored a team-high 21 points in 18 points and three aces, while Kennedy Batas was limited to just 12 points. Jian Salarzon contributed 10 points.
Clinching the twice-to-beat advantage once again, Tamaraws head coach Eddieson Orcullo said that they had already moved on from last season’s heartbreak as the University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers defeated them twice in the semifinals.
He said, “Magkaiba na ‘yung season na previous sa season ngayon. Kailangan lang namin magtiwala ulit. ‘Yung moment ng Season 86, na-surpass na namin ‘yun, e. Ngayong season, medyo iba rin ‘yung taya ng tao natin sa loob dahil sa mindsetting din. Naka-move forward na kami doon, on to the next na kami.”
With the win, the Tamaraws still hold the top spot in the standings and the twice-to-beat advantage. If they continue to hold the number one spot, they will face the fourth-ranked team in the semifinals.
The Far Eastern University will face the already-eliminated Adamson University Soaring Falcons on Saturday, April 12, at 11 am. Meanwhile, the Ateneo de Manila University will take on the final four-bound National University Bulldogs on Sunday, April 13, at 9 am.
For the latest updates on the tournament, including the full schedule, standings, and results, check out our page on https://www.rebanse.ph/uaap-season-87-mens-volleyball-schedule-standings-results/
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National University Bulldogs’ middle blocker Obed Mukaba recorded seven block points in their easy 25-21, 25-17, 25-16 victory against the University of the East Red Warriors.
Mukaba scored 14 points, while Buds Buddin scored a team-high 15 points in 13 attacks, a block, and an ace. Leo Ordiales has 12 points in 11 attacks.
For the side of the Red Warriors, Raquim Aceron and Isaiah Roca scored 10 points apiece.
After the game, the Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin admitted that their blocks proved to be the difference for the game. The Bulldogs recorded 13 block points, compared to just four of the Red Warriors.
He said, “Naging factor talaga ‘yung blockings namin today. We dictated the tempo, and we’re seeing our players return to the level of intensity and mindset that we’ve been aiming for.”
With the win, the Bulldogs are already assured a spot in the final four and are still in contention for the last twice-to-beat advantage.
The Bulldogs will face the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles on Sunday, April 13, at 9 am. Meanwhile, the Red Warriors will take on the University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers on Saturday, April 12, at 9 am.
