For the second straight season, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws have successfully clinched the top spot in the standings after two rounds of eliminations in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament.

The Tamaraws, who finished the eliminations with a 13-1 win-loss record, and the National University Bulldogs have the twice-to-beat advantage as they face the De La Salle University Green Spikers and the University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers in the semifinals, respectively.

The Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles finished their season in fifth place with a 7-7 win-loss record, followed by the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons at 4-10.

The Adamson University Soaring Falcons ended their campaign with a 2-12 win-loss record, while the University of the East Red Warriors are winless in 14 games.

Here’s everything you missed at the last weekend of the elimination round in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament.

51

The trio of Zhydryx Saavedra, Mikko Espartero, and Amet Bituin combined for 51 points as the Far Eastern University Tamaraws outlasted the De La Salle University Green Spikers, 21-25, 25-17, 25-19, 25-22 on Saturday, April 26.

Saavedra scored 25 points in 20 attacks, three blocks, and two service aces, while Espartero contributed 15 points in 13 attacks. Bituin added 11 points.

For the Green Spikers, Noel Kampton scored a team-high 16 points, while Glen Rui Ventura contributed 15 points.

With the win, the Tamaraws finished the eliminations at the top of the standings with a 13-1 win-loss record, but head coach Eddison Orcullo quickly reminded them that it wouldn’t matter in the semifinals.

He said, “‘Yung game na ito, nagpapasalamat ako sa players and coaches ko. ‘Yung nangyari lang from day one until today, last day ng elimination round, masasabi kong deserved ng mga bata kung nasaan kami ngayon kasi uhaw talaga ‘yung mga bata. 13-1 doesn’t count. 0-0 na ulit.”

The Tamaraws will have a twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals, where they will face the De La Salle University Green Spikers.

23

Jade Disquitado delivered 23 points as he took the spot of Buds Buddin in the National University Bulldogs’ 25-22, 20-25, 25-22, 25-22 victory against the University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers on Sunday, April 27. Buddin is out indefinitely due to a right ankle sprain.

Disquitado had 22 attacks and one block, while Leo Ordiales contributed 15 points in 12 attacks and three blocks. Rwenzmel Taguibolos added 10 points.

For the Golden Spikers, Josh Ybañez scored a team-high 20 points in 17 attacks, two blocks, and an ace. Jay Rack de la Noche and JJ Macam contributed 11 points apiece.

After the game, Bulldogs head coach Dante Alinsunurin reminded his team to stay composed coming into the final four. He said, “Kahapon, nalaman namin na no-bearing na ‘yung game, pero sinabi ko sa mga players ko na kahit anong mangyari ngayon, dapat i-mindset natin na manalo pa rin kasi ‘yung magiging panalo natin, madadala natin sa Final Four. Nag-respond sila, although may mga set play or plays na naiba ngayon, pero at least kami naka-adjust pa rin kami sa ginawa ng UST.”

The Bulldogs and the Golden Spikers will face each other in the semifinals, with the National University having the twice-to-beat advantage.

14

The University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons recorded 14 block points in their 21-25, 19-25, 25-11, 25-12, 15-12 reverse sweep against the Adamson University Soaring Falcons on Sunday, April 27. In comparison, the Soaring Falcons only had six blocked points.

Olayemi Raheem led the team with 21 points in 15 attacks, five blocks, and an ace, while Tommy Castrodes contributed 16 points in 15 attacks. Angelo Lipata added 11 points.

For the Soaring Falcons, Jude Aguilar scored a team-high 15 points, while Dan Gutierrez and Marc Paulino contributed 13 points apiece.

After the game, Fighting Maroons head coach Carlo Cabatingan admitted that they were experimenting in their last few games for the next season. He said, “Ever since nalaman namin na the season is done for us, ang ginawa naming mindset ay itong season ang magiging base namin going into the next season. Marami kaming tinry, marami kaming sinubukan, but there are all trials kasi there’s nothing to lose but more to gain kung gagawin namin.”

The Fighting Maroons finished the season in sixth place with a 4-10 win-loss record, while the Soaring Falcons are in seventh place with a 2-12 win-loss record.

51

The wingers of the Ateneo de Manila Univeristy Blue Eagles – Amil Pacinio, Kennedy Batas, and Jian Salarzon – combined for 51 points as they reverse swept the University of the East Red Warriors, 18-25, 22-25, 26-24, 25-22, 15-12, on Saturday, April 26.

Pacinio had 18 points in 17 attacks and an ace, while Batas had 16 points. Salarzon added 15 points.

For the Red Warriors, Roy Piojo scored a game-high 22 points in 21 attacks, while Raquim Aceron had 19 points in 17 attacks, a block, and an ace. Axel Defeo contributed 12 points.

After the game, Blue Eagles assistant coach Peter Torres remained grateful as their first year as coaches of the team resulted in a good season. He said, “Very promising yung team and bilang first year pa lang namin nila coach Vince [Mangulabnan] as the lead coaches, maganda naman yung nagiging reaction ng players sa bagong system na inaapply namin so very excited kami sa next season.’

The Ateneo Blue Eagles finished the season in fifth place with a 7-7 win-loss record, while the Red Warriors are winless in 14 games.