Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times
(C) V-League Images

DLSU

Dryx Saavedra leads charge vs La Salle as FEU moves on cusp of V-League men’s title


Far Eastern University moved a step closer to a breakthrough title in the 2024 V-League Collegiate Challenge with a significant 25-22, 25-20, 18-25, 25-19 Game 1 victory against De La Salle University in their best-of-three finals series on Sunday at the Philsports Arena.

The Tamaraws overcame a setback in the third set and built a decisive 18-11 lead in the fourth set, highlighted by a huge down-the-line hit from Amet Bituin, who had come in for Mikko Espartero in the previous frame.

From there, FEU made no mistakes, finishing the job nearly two hours after the first serve.

They will look to secure the title in Wednesday’s Game 2 at 2:00 PM.

“Yung mali lang sigurong mga pagkakamali sa actual match, pagdating sa ensayo, pinagfo-focus-an lang namin ‘yung mga bagay na alam namin kung saan kami mahina. At the same time, kung saan kami malakas, ‘yun rin ‘yung key para kami bunangon,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo, reflecting on what has been working for the team this season.

This mindset flipped the switch for the Tamaraws after they lost the third set to the Green Spikers, which extended the match.

“Given naman na pipilitin ng La Salle na makuha ‘yung third set eh. Siguro hindi rin nawala sa mentality ng player ‘yon, pero hindi dapat gan’on eh. Sabi nga, finish stronger,” shared the long-time mentor.

The coaching staff presented this challenge to the Tamaraws, and fortunately, the team responded with a strong finish in the fourth set.

Dryx Saavedra led the Tamaraws with a match-high 19 points, comprising 16 attacks and three blocks. Lirick Mendoza also made a strong contribution, finishing with 13 points on 11 kills and two blocks.

#ReadMore  T-Mac gives lessons to Kai Sotto, EWP boys

Key contributions from incoming rookies Bituin and Mikko Espartero proved crucial, with Espartero adding 11 points in the contest.

Yong Mendoza reclaimed his starting spot for the Green Spikers, scoring 13 points with 10 spikes, two blocks, and three service aces.

However, 31 errors from the squad ultimately led to their defeat.

Chris Hernandez added 10 points for De La Salle, while Rui Ventura was limited to nine markers.

Grew to appreciate various sports from tennis to judo. True-maroon kiddo since the new millennium. Fanboy. Singer. Occasional sports writer.


You May Also Like

FEU

Last UAAP season, Far Eastern University secured the top seed heading into the eliminations but ultimately wasted its twice-to-beat advantage, leading to an early...

DLSU

Far Eastern University shrugged off its Game 2 loss to secure its first-ever V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge title, sweeping De La Salle University 25-22,...

News

In many instances where University of Santo Tomas secured a spot in the championship round of a women’s volleyball tournament, its journey has been...

FEU

Angge Poyos led University of Santo Tomas to a thrilling four-set victory over Far Eastern University, 24-26, 25-20, 25-21, 25-14, to capture its first...

FEU

When University of Sto. Tomas’ Cassie Carballo pulled off what seemed to be the championship-winning 1-2 play that triggered a burst of confetti inside...

DLSU

Battling jetlag, Noel Kampton made sure to leave his mark in De La Salle University’s crucial Game 2 against Far Eastern University in the...

CSB

University of Santo Tomas’s Angge Poyos and Gboy De Vega were honored as the Most Valuable Players in the women’s and men’s divisions of...

FEU

Not even a premature celebration could deter Far Eastern University from clinching a hard-fought five-set victory over University of Santo Tomas, 25-22, 22-25, 25-21,...

Advertisement