The FEU Tamaraws began their V-League Collegiate title defense by sweeping the Mapua Cardinals, 25‑19, 25‑22, 25‑15, on Saturday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
In the second set, Mapua shocked the Tamaraws by building a three‑point lead late, 20‑17. However, the defending champions responded with an 8‑2 run as they stepped up on both offense and defense.
From there, the Tamaraws took control and needed only 20 minutes to finish off the Cardinals in the third set.
“Siguro, mas ginugusto lang ng mga players na maging maganda yung galaw, yung depensahan, yung counter attack. Kailangan lang sigurong linisin yung serve pass. Don kami mag‑focus,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
Mikko Espartero led the Tamaraws with 14 points on 13 attacks and a block, while newly minted captain Dryx Saavedra added 13 points and nine digs. Rhodson Du‑ot orchestrated the offense with 20 excellent sets and 5 digs.
For the Cardinals, Ar‑Jay Ramos led the team with 18 points, 9 digs, and 14 receptions.
The Tamaraws will look to build on their opening win against De La Salle‑College of Saint Benilde on September 13 at 5 p.m. at the same venue. Meanwhile, the Cardinals will try to get their first win against the National University Bulldogs on Wednesday, September 9, at 3 p.m.
La Salle Sweeps Arellano
Earlier in the day, the La Salle Green Spikers also continued their strong start by sweeping the Arellano Chiefs, 25‑21, 25‑21, 25‑20.
Arellano stayed close in the third set, with La Salle holding only a one‑point lead at 16‑15. However, the Green Spikers tightened their net defense to pull away and close out the match.
Issa Ousseini led La Salle with 18 points on 14 attacks, and 5 blocks, while Rui Ventura added 13 points, including 5 blocks. Libero Jules Serrano anchored the defense with 12 digs and 11 receptions.
“All the games, whether we win or lose, we’re just trying to make all the systems work. We’re trying to perfect it every day. Our team is 30 percent seniors and 30 percent juniors, so there’s a gap. Ang sabi ko sa kanila, let’s clear our responsibilities. If we know our responsibilities, that will be the common denominator,” said La Salle head coach Babes Castillo.
The Green Spikers improved to 2‑1 and will look to extend their winning streak against the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights on September 13 at 12 noon at Gameville Central Park. Meanwhile, the Chiefs dropped to 2‑2 and will try to snap their two‑game skid against defending champion FEU on September 13 at 5 p.m. at the same venue.
