Seeking to finally capture the championship after back-to-back podium finishes, the FEU Tamaraws opened their campaign with a statement straight-sets victory over the De La Salle University Green Spikers, 25-19, 25-22, 25-19, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
After taking control of the first two sets, the Tamaraws carried their momentum into the third frame, racing to an early four-point lead, 8-4. However, Green Spikers Ezer Regidor, Issa Ousseini, and Arjay Magallanes sparked a La Salle rally to knot the score at 12-all.
Furious Finish Seals FEU’s First Win
FEU quickly regrouped after the deadlock and restored a four-point cushion, 21-17. In the end, Dryx Saavedra put the finishing touches on the match, sealing the win with a crosscourt attack.
“’Yung communication lang talaga, medyo doon lang kami nagkakaunawaan. Kasi walang hindi malinaw sa ginagawa namin, lahat kami naka-all in sa communication na ginagawa namin. Plus yung factor na brotherhood, ’yon siguro talaga na buong-buo sa amin ’yon,” Tamaraws head coach Eddieson Orcullo said.
Saavedra led the Tamaraws with 16 points on 15 attacks and a block, while Mikko Espartero added 14 markers along with seven excellent sets. Ariel Cacao and Doula Ndongala chipped in seven points apiece, while Lirick Mendoza contributed six.
For the Green Spikers, no player reached double figures, as Ousseini was held to nine points. Eugene Gloria and Michael John Fortuna scored seven each, while Joshua Magalaman finished with six markers.
FEU shoots for a second straight win as it squares off with the University of the East on Wednesday, February 18, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. Meanwhile, the Green Spikers aim to get on the board when they face their rivals, the University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers, on Sunday, February 22, at the same venue.
