Far Eastern University is heading into the Final Four of the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament in familiar territory as the top seed, finishing the elimination round with a 13-1 record.
With a twice-to-beat advantage, the Tamaraws are just one win away from reaching the finals, where they aim to capture their first championship since Season 74.
Despite the odds being in their favor, FEU feels determined not to become complacent against fourth-seeded De La Salle University — especially after last year’s disappointment, when they lost to University of Santo Tomas in their Final Four clash during Season 86.
“Sa akin kasi, personal talaga eh na iniisip ko talaga kaunting games na lang kaya ba’t ko pa i-pre-pressure yung sarili ko,” said Tamaraws opposite spiker Dryx Saavedra, who led FEU with 25 points in their four-set win against La Salle on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“Yun nga, gusto ko enjoy ko na lang yung mga natitirang games na tumutulong ako sa team na hindi mauulit yung nangyari kasi nandun din ako eh. Sobrang sakit ba. Tine-take ko na lang siya as motivation talaga na ma-i-share ko sa mga bata din na kami lang nandun sa loob ng court para magtulungan ba para di na maulit.”
FEU and La Salle’s Final Four clash is the latest in a series of match-ups between the two teams this season. Not only did the Tamaraws defeat the Green Spikers twice in Season 87, but they also emerged victorious in their 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge finals showdown.
Coach Ed Orcullo, ever the pragmatist, wants his players to stay focused on the task at hand. He urges them not to dwell on past victories, especially with a spot in the finals just one win away.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Hindi kasi pwedeng tignan yan eh,” said Orcullo. “Ibang araw, ibang oras at ibang panahon yan. Yung darating na Sabado, yung La Salle, si Noel (Kampton) palagay niyo titigil yan? Hindi ba dapat mas lalong pagtrabahuan nila yung nangyari ngayon?”
As the saying goes, anything can happen in the Final Four. The Tamaraws’ dominant 13-1 record can be rendered meaningless if they fail to secure the victory, much like how their 12-2 campaign in Season 86 ended in a 0-2 loss to the Golden Spikers when they needed to win the most.
If La Salle wins the first match, the pressure will shift toward FEU. However, Orcullo embraces the challenge, urging his team to continue working hard and cover all their bases.
“Confident din ako sa coaches ng La Salle na sila coach Jose (Roque), coach Arnold (Laniog), yung coaches nila — hindi titigil yan. Siguro yun lang yung ang pinakamalaking hamon sa amin — pano namin ii-stop yung gagawin nila kasi yun lang din naman. Trabaho lang at tatrabahuin namin,” said Orcullo.
