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.
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.
