Dryx Saavedra rose to the occasion when it mattered most.
With Far Eastern University on the ropes, the Season 86 Best Opposite Hitter exploded for 29 points as the Tamaraws denied the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons’ reverse sweep bid, 25-19, 25-21, 20-25, 29-31, 15-12, clinching the first Final Four ticket in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament on Sunday morning at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Reeling from a tough five-set loss to the National University Bulldogs last Sunday, the Tamaraws bounced back in thrilling fashion, improving to a 10-1 record to secure the first postseason ticket in the eight-team field.
FEU will make its sixth consecutive Final Four appearance dating back to Season 79 and is now eyeing a twice-to-beat advantage with three matches left in the eliminations.
The victory also reaffirmed FEU’s dominance over UP, extending their winning streak to 12 games against the Fighting Maroons, a streak that began in Season 79 on March 1, 2017.
“Yung sinabi nga ni coach sa amin na kahit hindi pa nag-uumpisa yung game, dapat ready ka na kung ano ‘man mangyari. ‘Yon talaga palagi ko iniisip ‘eh. Kanina, na-experience ulit namin na kami yung naghahabol, pero buti na i-apply yung maturity na palagi namin sinasabi,” Saavedra said. He finished with 29 points, including a 28-of-44 attack efficiency and one ace.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Deadlocked at 10-all in the decisive fifth set, an off-the-block attack from Nigerian wing spiker Olayemi Raheem and a center line fault from Mikko Espartero gave UP a crucial 12-10 lead.
However, third-year setter Ariel Cacao activated the Tamaraws’ middle blockers at the perfect moment. Two quick hits from Charles Absin and Lirick Mendoza, along with an off-the-block attack from Saavedra, allowed FEU to regain a slim 13-12 cushion.
Eager to redeem himself after a crucial error, Espartero came through in the clutch. An out-of-system attack and a block by the 20-year-old outside hitter from Antique sealed the Tamaraws’ five-set triumph over the Fighting Maroons.
“Maganda yung kapit ng bawat isa [in the fifth set]. Medyo all the way, naging lamang din [ang UP] ‘eh. Naghiwalay lang yata nung dulo na. Ang pinakamaganda lang sa nangyari sa amin is ready kami sa kung anong sitwasyon ‘man yung dumating at yung love ng bawat isa sa bawat isa, nandoon,” FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo said.
Mendoza contributed 15 points with 13 attacks and two blocks, while Congolese middle blocker Doula Ndongala also scored 15 points, including 12 attacks and three blocks.
Espartero added 16 points from 12 attacks, three blocks, and one ace, along with six excellent digs and six excellent receptions. Team captain Jelord Talisayan chipped in five points and 10 excellent receptions.
Cacao orchestrated the Tamaraws’ offense with 25 excellent sets and one ace, while rookie libero Vennie Ceballos shone with 29 excellent receptions and six excellent digs.
The Tamaraws will look to strengthen their pursuit of a twice-to-beat advantage when they face the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles on Wednesday, April 9, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The loss, meanwhile, eliminated the Fighting Maroons from Final Four contention, alongside the University of the East Red Warriors and the Adamson University Soaring Falcons.
UP now sits at a 3-8 record, remaining in sixth place. They will miss the postseason for the sixth consecutive UAAP season, a drought that began in Season 79.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Raheem led UP in the heartbreaking defeat, scoring 25 points on 23 attacks, one block, and one ace. Rookie hitter Tommy Castrodes provided 17 points from 15 attacks, along with 19 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs.
Angelo Lipata added 11 points and 17 excellent receptions, while Angelo Aballe set up 22 excellent sets in the losing effort.
UP will face De La Salle University next Sunday, April 13, at the same Cubao venue.
