When Far Eastern University’s main hitters were struggling, the Tamaraws turned to unsung heroes who delivered at the right moment, securing a twice-to-beat Final Four advantage in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament.
Amet Bituin made the most of his first start of the season, while Lirick Mendoza was a defensive powerhouse, leading FEU to a 25-21, 19-25, 25-23, 25-23 victory over Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday afternoon at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Thanks to their collective efforts, the Tamaraws secured a crucial playoff advantage, improving to an 11-1 record through 12 games.
“Kahapon pa sa inensayo, tinry na ni coach na ako i-start. Kahit medyo may confusion sa akin, mas pinagkatiwalaan ko lang yung coaching staff at yung teammates ko na nag-u-up sa akin kahit minsan down ako,” said Bituin, who led the team with 17 points, including 16 attacks, one block, and nine excellent receptions.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
FEU gained momentum with a narrow third-set win over Ateneo, opening the fourth set with a commanding seven-point lead, 17-10, fueled by back-to-back attacks from Dryx Saavedra, a block by Congolese middle blocker Doula Ndongala, and an ace from Bituin.
Ateneo responded with a 7-1 run, aided by an attack error from Bituin, a crosscourt hit from Salarzon, and an ace from MVP frontrunner Kennedy Batas, trimming the lead to 22-20.
Despite the late rally, the Tamaraws remained composed. A service error by Batas, followed by a down-the-line hit and a game-clinching crosscourt attack from Bituin, sealed the win for FEU in one hour and 55 minutes.
In a tense third set, FEU broke a 21-all deadlock with a block by Saavedra and a denial from Mendoza on Batas. Ateneo fought back with two consecutive Amil Pacinio hits, tying the score at 23-all.
However, Pacinio committed a crucial service error, and Mendoza blocked Batas again to give FEU a 2-1 set advantage.
“Magkaiba na yung season na previous sa season ngayon. Kailangan lang namin magtiwala ulit. Yung moment ng Season 86, na-surpass na namin ‘yon ‘eh. Ngayong season, medyo iba rin yung taya ng tao natin sa loob dahil sa mindsetting din. Naka-move forward na kami doon, onto the next na kami,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
Mendoza added 12 points, with a season-high eight blocks and four attacks. Saavedra chipped in 11 points on 10 attacks, while top rookie Mikko Espartero contributed 10 points, including eight attacks and two blocks, along with six excellent receptions.
Mendoza’s eight blocks were the most by any player since Obed Mukaba’s nine blocks for NU in their first-round win over UE on March 12, 2023.
Ariel Cacao registered 26 excellent sets in the win, and rookie libero Vennie Ceballos tallied 23 excellent receptions and six digs.
FEU will face off against Adamson University on Saturday, April 12, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Ateneo’s third consecutive loss was the most damaging, as the Blue Eagles now find themselves on the brink of elimination with a 6-6 record. They are a game and a half behind De La Salle University and University of Santo Tomas, who both share a 7-4 record.
Amil Pacinio led Ateneo in the loss with 21 points, including 18 attacks and three aces. Batas, the division’s top scorer with 222 points, was limited to 12 points on 8-of-29 attack efficiency, along with three aces, one block, and 16 excellent receptions.
Salarzon also struggled, finishing with nine points on 9-of-30 attack efficiency but still managed to contribute 13 excellent receptions.
Ateneo will need to avoid elimination when they face defending champions National University on Sunday, April 13, at the same venue in Cubao.
#WATCH: FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo praises Lirick Mendoza, Amet Bituin, and Kyle Tandoc for stepping up when the Tams’ main hitters struggled 🏐
📹 @justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times #UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/18ZFOY4YIr
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 9, 2025
