Far Eastern University was untouchable in its first nine games of the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament, but suddenly, its road became rocky.
The Tamaraws suffered their first defeat on March 30 against the National University Bulldogs in a stinging 25-17, 21-25, 25-17, 14-25, 9-15 loss.
Determined to bounce back on Sunday, FEU raced to a 2-0 set lead against the University of the Philippines (UP), winning 25-19 and 25-21.
However, the Fighting Maroons mounted a strong comeback, claiming the third and fourth sets 25-20 and 31-29 to force a decider.
UP even grabbed a 12-10 lead in the fifth set, but FEU, with lessons from their loss to NU in mind, rallied for five straight points to take the set (15-12) and the match, securing the first Final Four ticket at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
While the win against UP was far from perfect and the loss to NU was painful, FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo recognized the value of these experiences in shaping the team’s character as the semifinals approach.
“Malaking bagay yan kasi siyempre — bata, pag naglalaro minsan kailangan madapa para matuto diba?” said Orcullo. “Kung ano man ‘yung mga nangyari ngayon, dapat baunin namin sa mga susunod na matches namin.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The Tamaraws faced danger when UP took a 12-10 lead in the fifth set, but Chad Absin, Dryx Saavedra, Lirick Mendoza, and Mikko Espartero showed remarkable composure. They combined for five straight points to clinch the victory after two hours and 30 minutes.
Orcullo was proud to see his players finally demonstrate the determination to claim victory in the fifth set, after losing that character in the third and fourth sets.
“Yung fifth set talaga test of character yan eh. Tulad niyan, lamang sila (UP) all the way, nakuha nila yung mga sets na dapat nakukuha na namin. Yung fourth set, alam mo yung moment na makikita mo kung sino ang fighter sa loob,” said the second-year head coach.
“Ngayon, doon naman sa nangyari doon sa NU, I think we lost the game, but we never lost the lessons. Kaya siguro yun yung baon namin ngayon sa UP, na kahit nag-fifth set, na lumamang sila, yung lessons na binigay ng NU, bitbit namin yan.”
With a 10-1 record and a Final Four berth secured, FEU will now focus on clinching a twice-to-beat advantage in the semifinals.
The Tamaraws’ remaining games are against Final Four hopefuls Ateneo Blue Eagles and De La Salle Green Spikers, along with the struggling Adamson Soaring Falcons.
#WATCH: FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo, Dryx Saavedra, Mikko Espartero, and Vennie Ceballos are set to peak as they advance to the #UAAPSeason87 Final Four 🏐
📹 @justinvalencia_ /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/fDa5DdoIaU
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) April 6, 2025
