The FEU Tamaraws punched their ticket back to the Finals after surviving a five-set battle against the gritty Ateneo Blue Eagles, 25-23, 20-25, 16-25, 25-17, 15-12, in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Top-seeded FEU leaned on a clutch finish from Amet Bituin, who delivered three straight crosscourt hits late in the fifth set to seal the comeback and secure the Tamaraws’ return to the championship round.
After building an early 8-3 lead in the deciding frame, FEU saw Ateneo storm back with a 6-2 run behind Aimar Okeke to close the gap to 12-11. But Bituin responded with poise beyond his years, finishing off the match with back-to-back-to-back attacks.
“Balikan natin ‘yung whole duration ng match. Siguro masasabi ko na ito ‘yung mae-expect sa semis, hindi ba? Lagi natin sinasabi na this is the UAAP, at hindi napakadali manalo. Kung makikita naman natin ‘yung adjustments ng bawat isa, masasabi ko na respetadong coach talaga si coach Vince [Mangulabnan],” said Tamaraws head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
Complete Team Effort Sends FEU to Finals
Dryx Saavedra led FEU with 14 points, while Lirick Mendoza added 13. Mikko Espartero chipped in 11 markers, as team captain Ariel Cacao orchestrated the offense with 26 excellent sets. Libero Vennie Ceballos anchored the defense with 21 excellent receptions and 14 digs.
On the other side, Okeke paced Ateneo with 24 points, while Kennedy Batas added 15. Jian Salarzon contributed 12 markers, while Rodge Alejos finished with 9.
Ateneo, which reached the Final Four for the first time since Season 81, bowed out in fourth place and will move forward next season without veterans Lance de Castro and Brian Castro.
With the win, FEU advances to its second straight Finals appearance as they face the six-peat-seeking NU Bulldogs in a best-of-three affair.
