In a rematch of last season’s Finals, the FEU Tamaraws handed defending champion NU Bulldogs their first defeat of the season, 22-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-20, in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
After dropping the opening set, the Tamaraws regrouped and gradually took control of the match. In the fourth set, the Bulldogs trailed by eight, 11-19, before unleashing a 5-0 run to trim the deficit to three, 16-19. However, FEU kept its composure down the stretch, with Dryx Saavedra and Lirick Mendoza delivering the finishing blows to avenge its runner-up finish last season and stay unbeaten at 3-0.
“Yung game, talagang pinagpreparahan namin bawat isa doon sa matchup ng tao, sa kung sino dapat ang bigyan ng serving target, kung paano umatake ang bawat isa. Talagang pinagtrabahuhan, pinag-isipan tapos na-execute naman ng tama kaya maganda rin ‘yung result,” said Tamaraws head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
FEU Leans on Balanced Attack
Team captain Ariel Cacao orchestrated FEU’s offense brilliantly, tallying 25 excellent sets as four Tamaraws scored in double figures. Mendoza led the way with 17 points built on 13 attacks, 3 blocks, and 1 ace. Amet Bituin added 16 markers on 14 attacks and 2 aces.
Saavedra finished with 15 points on 13 attacks, 1 block, and 1 ace, while Doula Ndongala contributed 14 points built on 12 attacks, 1 block, and 1 ace.
Buds Buddin paced the Bulldogs with 21 points from 17 attacks, 3 aces, and 1 block. Leo Ordiales chipped in 15 points, while Jade Disquitado added 13 markers.
The Tamaraws look to extend their winning streak when they face the Adamson Soaring Falcons on Sunday, March 1, at 11:00 a.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs aim to bounce back as they take on the UP Maroons on Saturday, February 28, at 3:00 p.m. at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
