Far Eastern University fended off the challenge of De La Salle University, 25-18, 20-25, 25-22, 25-17, in a rematch of last year’s stepladder duel to stay undefeated in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.
The Tamaraws moved to 2-0 while handing the Green Spikers their first loss of the tournament for a 1-1 record.
“Nu’ng second set ready kami na kukunin talaga ng La Salle ‘yung set na ‘yun eh, ang adjustment namin ay tinanggap lang ‘yung error na nangyayari, ang kailangan lang matono ulit ‘yung mind ng bawat isa, maibalik ‘yung composure,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
The Green Spikers were just within one late in the third, 22-23, but Vince Maglinao committed a costly service error before Martin Bugaoan gave the Tamaraws the set with a powerful quick kill, 25-22.
Then in the fourth, FEU used a telling blitz through the efforts of Bugaoan, Jayjay Javelona, Lirick Mendoza, and Dryx Saavedra that turned a 10-8 close lead to a 17-10 advantage en route to the 25-17 clincher.
“Magandang simula po sa amin ito kasi dalawang panalo kaagad kaya mas magkakakumpyansa ‘yung team, sana mas gumanda pa ‘yung performance namin sa mga susunod na games,” said Ariel Cacao who tossed 24 excellent sets with five digs in the match.
Saavedra top-scored for the Tamaraws with 20 points on 18 attacks and two blocks, while Bugaoan and Andrei Delicana added 16 and 13 points, respectively.
On the other hand, Vince Maglinao posted 20 points, 18 excellent receptions, and five digs for the Green Spikers, who also got 19 points from JM Ronquillo and 14 points and 21 receptions from Noel Kampton.
Up next for FEU will be University of the East on Sunday, 9 a.m., at the SM Mall of Asia Arena while De La Salle will follow at 11 a.m. against University of Santo Tomas.