For someone making his first finals appearance, Amet Bituin certainly stepped up for Far Eastern University, which is now just one win away from clinching the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament crown.
Bituin, a rookie from FEU-Diliman, delivered an outstanding performance. He scored 16 points — 13 from attacks and three from blocks — to help FEU defeat the five-time defending champions, National University, 22-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-22, and 15-13 on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
As the Tamaraws moved closer to their 26th championship in the division and their first since Season 74, they had their outside hitter to thank for stepping up when it mattered most.
“Unang-una po, nagpapasalamat ako kay Lord kasi yun nga pina-ano Niya para mangyari sa amin yun,” said Bituin. “Ang sa akin po kasi kanina, kinommit ko lang talaga sarili ko sa team.
“Sabi ko, lahat ng ibibigay sa akin, kailangan pusuan ko kasi yun po yung (sinabi) namin ilang days eh — kailangan lahat ng gagawin namin, isapuso mo.”
What made FEU’s win even more special was the fact that over 5,000 fans filled the Quezon City venue. Both Tamaraw and Bulldog supporters created an electric atmosphere, making the finals an unforgettable event.
For the 20-year-old native of Pampanga, feeling the energy from the crowd inspired him and his teammates to push through against the defending champions. It was also a dream come true to play in front of so many people.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Sa akin po kanina, nung nakita ko yung crowd and yung sigaw nila, nakaka-overwhelm at nakakadagdag ng boost sa amin,” said Bituin.
“Tuwing nagpapalit kami ng court, yung cheer ng crowd, yung kung gaano nila kaming suportahan — sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam. Sobrang sarap maglaro kanina sa court kasi alam mong sobrang daming sumusuporta sa yo.”
Indeed, playing in the finals can define a UAAP athlete’s career. For Bituin, the opportunity spurred a remarkable performance. Not every player reaches this stage, and it’s all about making sure there are no regrets when it’s over.
His efforts, along with his teammates’, were rewarded with a hard-earned Game 1 victory over the Bulldogs. While they will no doubt regroup and refine their approach before Wednesday’s decisive Game 2, this victory is a result of their relentless determination, and they’ll savor it for now.
“Sobrang saya ko kasi yun yung nadadala kong enjoyment sa loob ng court at nagreresulta naman,” Bituin said.
“Sabi ko kanina talaga na all out na at walang matira at ubos kung ubos. Kahit masakit yung lalamunan ko these past few days, sigaw pa rin ako ng sigaw kasi ayoko magtira sa sarili ko at ayoko may pagsisisihan sa dulo.”
#WATCH: Eddieson Orcullo beams with pride as Amet Bituin, Dryx Saavedra, Ariel Cacao, and the FEU Tamaraws held firm in deep waters against NU in Game 1 of the #UAAPSeason87 Finals 🏐
📹 @ernesttuazon /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/ntVFdtF3t2
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) May 11, 2025
