The FEU Tamaraws tightened their grip on the top spot and clinched a Final Four berth after defeating the UST Golden Spikers, 25-16, 34-36, 25-17, 25-18, in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
FEU quickly regrouped after dropping a marathon second set and regained control in the third before pulling away late in the fourth.
Mission Accomplished in Enemy Territory for FEU
Holding a slim 17-15 lead in the final frame, the Tamaraws unleashed an 8-3 closing run behind Amet Bituin, Miko Espartero, Dryx Saavedra, and Ariel Cacao to seal the win on UST’s home court.
“’Yung game, talagang pinaghandaan namin ‘yung moment na maglalaro kami sa bahay ng UST kasi ine-expect ko mapupuno ’yung arena ng mga taga-UST. Salamat sa boys, maganda naman ang naging result,” said Tamaraws head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
Saavedra led FEU with 21 points built on 17 attacks, 2 blocks, and 2 aces, while Bituin added 15 points, all on attacks. Espartero contributed 13 points and 13 excellent receptions, while middle blockers Lirick Mendoza, Doula Ndongala, and Charles Absin combined for 23 points.
Team captain Ariel Cacao orchestrated the offense with 24 excellent sets, while Vennie Ceballas anchored the floor defense with 12 excellent receptions and 5 excellent digs.
Josh Ybañez paced the Golden Spikers with 21 points and 8 excellent receptions, while Joncriz Ayco added 15 points.
FEU will next face the La Salle Green Spikers on Wednesday, April 8, at 11:00 a.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Meanwhile, UST returns to the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Easter Sunday, April 5, to take on the UE Red Warriors.
