The Far Eastern University Tamaraws notched their first win in three games after slaying the floundering UE Red Warriors in four sets, 19-25, 25-20, 25-19, 25-18 in the Spikers’ Turf Collegiate Conference presented by PLDT Home Ultera at the FilOil Flying V Arena.
Although the Red Warriors touted the exploits of UAAP Rookie of the Year, Ed Camposano, he was not enough to overcome UE’s massive 43 errors when FEU had only 21.
Newly minted FEU Head Coach, Joseph Santos admitted in his post-game interview that his priority in this conference is to expose his rookies to the level of competition in the collegiate ranks. “’Yung mga beterano ko naman mabilis mag-adjust kaya ‘yung mga galing muna sa Palaron Pambansa ‘yung ginagamit ko para magamay nila ‘yung bilis ng laruan dito,” said Santos, who replaced his father, Kid Santos, this year. Kid now takes the role of FEU’s volleyball Training Director for FEU.
The Tams blew the opening set mostly due to their deplorable floor defense. Camposano dominated their blockers early, but gradually tired down as the match wore on. In the following set, FEU trailed 16-14, but managed to rally back and take their first set through Jeric Gacutan’s powerful hitting.
In the third frame, the Red Warriors clutched a late 16-15 lead, but they could not rally enough offense to counter the impending FEU barrage. Gacutan, sparked an 8-1 scoring run with his float serves that baffled that UE receivers. Leading 23-17, FEU traded points to end the set with a 2-1 sets lead.
The Tamaraws dominated the final set as veteran Middle Blocker, Greg Dolor, came in and scored seven of his 11 points. FEU led by as much as 10, 15-5, and managed to fight off any UE comeback attempt by simply cleaning up their game and limiting their errors.
Gacutan finished the match with a team-high 13 points and Dolor followed with 11 markers. Rookie Middle Blocker, Peter Quiel, pitched in nine points, while veteran Open Hitter, Joshua Barrica, and rookie Middle Blocker, JP Bugaoan, combined for 10 points.
Now with a 2-1 record, the Tamaraws need to win their final match of the first round against the undefeated NU Bulldogs on August 3, Monday to have a chance at qualifying gor the next round of eliminations. The Red Warriors will face fellow 0-3 team, Mapua Cardinals on August 5, Wednesday.
The Scores
FEU (3) – Gacutan 13, Dolor 11, Quiel 9, Barrica 5, Bugaoan 5, Garcia 3, Paler 2, Navas 1, Suarez 1, Cayaban 1, Silang 0, Marmeto (L)
UE (1) – Camposano 19, Lelic 13, Abrot 8, Alba 7, Adviento 5, Aljas 4, Saguin 1, Ortega 1, Umandal 1, Imperial 0, Inoferio (L), Sawal (L)
