After dropping the opening set, the FEU Tamaraws recovered to defeat the UST Golden Spikers, 28-30, 25-22, 25-17, 25-22, and complete a flawless first round of eliminations in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
With the win, the Tamaraws improved to a perfect 7-0 record, securing the top spot in the standings and putting themselves in a strong position for a Final Four berth. However, head coach Eddieson Orcullo reminded his team that maintaining consistency remains their biggest challenge, especially after achieving the same first-round record last season.
“Siguro kailangan pang magtrabaho nang maigi. ‘Yung consistency, ‘yung pagtutok sa bawat isa para magkaroon kami—‘yung nangyari nung last year, nakalipas na ‘yun. ‘Yung present, sana magampanan namin ‘yung tungkulin namin na maging maayos pa sa ginagawa namin,” he said.
FEU Seals Perfect First Round
The Tamaraws sealed the victory in the fourth set after breaking an 18-all deadlock, with Lirick Mendoza, Mikko Espartero, and Amet Bituin capitalizing on UST’s costly errors down the stretch.
Dryx Saavedra and Mendoza paced FEU with 17 points each, while Espartero added 14 points along with 24 excellent receptions. Bituin contributed 12 points, and Charles Absin chipped in 10 markers.
Setter Ariel Cacao orchestrated the Tamaraws’ offense with 30 excellent sets, while Vennie Ceballos anchored the backline with 14 excellent receptions and 9 excellent digs.
Josh Ybañez led the Golden Spikers with 21 points, while JJ Macam added 13. John Vryvin Catinsag finished with 10 markers.
Despite the loss, the Golden Spikers remained in third place after the first round with a 5-2 record, trailing only the Tamaraws and defending champion NU Bulldogs.
