Far Eastern University’s final game of the UAAP Season 86 Men’s Volleyball elimination round will bear no significance as the Tamaraws have already secured the top seed after their win over University of the Philippines on Saturday.
At 12-1, FEU is already guaranteed a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four regardless of the outcome of its final assignment in the eliminations.
However, the Tamaraws will still go all out in their 14th game.
They will again face National University – the only team to beat them so far this season.
The much-anticipated clash will occur on Wednesday, 12:00 PM, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“Sila (NU) pa lang yung nakatalo sa amin ngayong season so may chance kami na makabawi this second round,” said FEU main setter Ariel Cacao regarding their upcoming rematch with the Bulldogs.
It was the closest of games during their first-round collision. NU narrowly escaped FEU in an extended five-setter match, 25-22, 21-25, 25-14, 23-25, 18-16 last March 6.
But beyond seeking vengeance, the Tamaraws aim to use their match against the Bulldogs to measure their current standing despite their top position.
NU is the perfect team to use as a gauge as it is undeniably the standard in today’s men’s volleyball scene, having won three straight championships in the UAAP.
“Para sa akin, sobrang importante ng game na yun kasi NU, isa sa pinaka-malakas na team sa UAAP. So doon mate-test yung kung hanggang saan kami,” said Cacao.
“Ngayong second round mas lalo naming pinaghandaan yung bawat isa, and siguro makikita yung mental toughness naming lahat sa Wednesday,” added FEU captain Jefferson Abuniawan.
Ever since that loss to the Bulldogs, the Tamaraws cruised to eight straight victories on the way to the best record in the league.
