After six long years, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws once again defeated the National University Bulldogs in their first-round match as they shocked them with a straight-set, 27-25, 25-14, 25-23, win on Sunday, February 23. For the latest updates on the tournament, including the full schedule, standings, and results, check out our page on UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball: Schedule, Standings, Results
The last time the Tamaraws won over the Bulldogs was way back in 2019 when they faced each other in the opening-day match-up of UAAP Season 81. With the win, the Tamaraws became the only team to stay unbeaten in men’s volleyball.
The Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles showed grit and power in their hard-fought win against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 23-25, 25-18, 25-22, 25-19, on Sunday, February 23.
It was a hot match as players from both teams exchanged swag after swag but it was Kennedy Batas who went home with a win.
Here are the other things you missed on the second weekend of the UAAP Volleyball Tournament.
3-0
The Far Eastern University Tamaraws shocked everyone when they defeated the defending champions National University Bulldogs in straight sets, 27-25, 25-14, 25-23.
Dryx Saavedra had a monster performance with 20 points on 17 attack points and three blocks. Team captain Jelord Talisayan added 11 points while Amet Bituin contributed 10 points.
Saavedra gave credit to his team’s mental toughness as the key to their first victory against the Bulldogs in six years. He said after the match, “Good thing kasi ngayon sa team namin na napapag-uusapan namin ‘yung about sa mental namin. Talagang ‘yon ‘yung kulang namin last season. Sana tuloy-tuloy kasi ang ganda ng kinalabasan, e. Magaan maglaro at sobrang siya – lahat nag-eenjoy lang at pinapakita ‘yung best nila.”
The Far Eastern University Tamaraws will try to keep their spotless record when they face the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles on Sunday, March 2, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
5
Five starters from the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles scored double digits in their four-set, 23-25, 25-18, 25-22, 25-19, win against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.
Open hitters Kennedy Batas and Jian Salarzon both had 17 points while Amil Pacino contributed 15 points. Middle blocker Brian Castro added 12 points while Jetlee Gopio had 11.
Standing in the middle with a 2-1 win-loss record, head coach Vince Mangulabnan said all their games were a good learning experience moving forward. He said, “Magandang learnings ito past three games namin kasi somehow ‘pag pinagsama-sama ‘yung sistema nung tatlo, sakto siya para sa preparation namin heading into the FEU game.”
The Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles will try to sustain their momentum when they face the unbeaten Far Eastern University Tamaraws on Sunday, March 2, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
24
In his final year, Noel Campton led the De La Salle University Green Spikers to their first victory of the season as he scored 24 points in his team’s 25-19, 25-23, 25-19 win against the Adamson University Soaring Falcons.
Uriel Mendoza had 13 points, all from spikes, while Michael Fortuna added 10 markers. Campton and the team are missing the services of Vince Maglinao, who is still recuperating from an injury.
Campton said, “Mina-mindset ko lang na chine-cherish namin yung last playing year namin sa UAAP. Hindi na makakabalik dito ‘eh, gusto ko aalis ako sa DLSU at tsaka sa UAAP na magiging proud yung coaches namin at yung DLSU community sa amin.”
The De La Salle Green Archers will next face the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons on Sunday, March 2, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
51-20
The University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers are slowly returning to their old form as they quickly adjusted from the absence of two-time MVP Josh Ybañez due to a sprain, winning their match against the University of the East Red Warriors, 25-17, 25-18, 25-19.
Four Golden Spikers scored in double digits as they dominated the spike points, 51-20. JJ Macam, starting instead of Ybañez, led the scorers with 14 points while Paul Colinares and Jay Rack De La Noche had 12 points apiece. Gboy De Vega had 10 markers.
After the match, Golden Spikers head coach Odjie Mamon reiterated what he said during the tournament’s press conference. He said, “I stand by my statement that I have the best lineup this season. Anyone can step up for us. I’m happy they bounced back from our previous loss. Very satisfied ako with today’s performance.”
The University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers will next face the winless Adamson University Soaring Falcons on Saturday, March 1, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
10
The Far Eastern University Tamaraws used all of their players, except Charles Absin, in their 25-21, 25-16, 25-18 win against the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.
It was a team effort for the Tamaraws as 10 players scored a point with Dryx Saavedra leading the pack with 13 points while Mikko Espartero contributed 10 points.
Saavedra said that the team also did their best during training, and it showed in their games. “Palagi naman kaming handa saka ginagawa namin ‘yung best namin sa ensayo, walang nasasaya na oras. Iba na ‘rin ngayon kasi sobrang nag-eenjoy ang lahat sa laro kaya naipapakita ‘yung best,” Saavedra said.
18
In the National University Bulldogs’ 23-25, 26-24, 27-25, 29-27 hard-fought win against the Ateneo de Manila Blue Eagles, the team recorded 18 block points as Peng Taguibolos manned the net with six block points on top of his seven spike points.
Leo Ordiales led the team in scoring with 14 points while Obed Mukaba added 10 points in four service aces.
For the latest updates on the tournament, including the full schedule, standings, and results, check out our page on UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball: Schedule, Standings, Results
