In a near-replay of UAAP Season 79 first stepladder Final Four match, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws needed just three sets to dispatch the University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers, 25-23, 25-23, 26-24, in the Premier Volleyball League Men’s Collegiate Conference at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
With each set coming down to the last few points, FEU head coach Rey Diaz lauded his team’s resiliency and focus.
“Siyempre, marami pa kaming kailangang ayusin talaga especially na marami sa mga players namin ang, sabihin na natin, naninibago pa sa posisyon nila,” Diaz said.
“Ilang beterano din ang nawala sa amin. Pero kita naman kanina na kaya talaga ng mga bata namin na ipanalo ‘yung mga dikitan na laban. Kaunti pang maturity siguro,” added the youthful mentor.
Middle blocker JP Bugaoan led FEU with 16 points. Redijohn Paler added 11 markers.
The Tamaraws won their third straight match after dropping their opening game to defending champs Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles.
Former UE Red Warrior Joshua Umandal led the Tiger Spikers with 15 points, while veteran Arnold Bautista added 11 markers.
UST slumped to their second loss in four outings.
The Scores
FEU (3) – Bugaoan 16, Paler 11, Solis 8, Bautista 4, Garcia 4, Salabsab 2, Provido 1, Quiel 1, Silang 1, Detalban 0, Suarez 0, Marmeto (L)
UST (0) – Umandal 15, Bautista 11, Medina 7, Sumagaysay 6, Buro 5, Cardon 1, Casillan 0, Millado 0, Tajanlangit T. 0, Sawal (L)
