Far Eastern University launched its redemption bid in style, overpowering De La Salle University in straight sets, 25-19, 25-22, 25-19, to kick off the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball Tournament on Saturday afternoon at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Eager to move past a third-place finish in Season 86 and a runner-up finish in Season 87, the Tamaraws sent an early statement to the eight-team field. They leaned on key mainstays Mikko Espartero and Dryx Saavedra to spoil the Green Spikers’ first match in the post-Noel Kampton and Vince Maglinao era.
Saavedra powered FEU with 16 points on 15 attacks and one block. Meanwhile, Espartero added 14 points on 12 attacks, one block, and one ace, along with seven excellent receptions.
FEU enters the season on a mission after last year’s heartbreaking Finals defeat to National University.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Yung communication lang talaga, medyo doon lang kami nagkakaunawaan. Kasi walang hindi malinaw sa ginagawa namin — lahat kami naka-all in sa communication na ginagawa namin. Plus yung factor na brotherhood, ‘yon siguro talaga na buong-buo sa amin ‘yon,” FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo said.
Taking confidence from a 2-0 start, the Tamaraws seized an early 8-4 lead in the third set. Consecutive attacks from Ezer Regidor, Cameroonian middle blocker Issa Ousseini, and Arjay Magallanes then tied the frame at 12-all.
FEU quickly regained its bearings, though. A crosscourt hit from Saavedra, a La Salle antenna touch, and a rejection from Lirick Mendoza all restored a four-point, 21-17 lead.
A quick hit by Ousseini and a Mendoza attack error cut the deficit to 21-19, but FEU closed the game with four consecutive points — capped by a Regidor miscue and a game-winning crosscourt attack from Saavedra — to start Season 88 on a high note.
The Tamaraws had already established a commanding two-set advantage, taking the second set 25-22 on the back of an Ousseini service error, two consecutive hits by Saavedra, and a crosscourt attack by Espartero.
“Lagi naman naming pinag-uusapan sa team na kahit anong situation sa court, kailangan pilitin namin na doon kami sa pinakakalma kami. Big factor kasi talaga yung kalmado lang kami, lalo na pag crucial. Hindi naman pwede na sa crucial, mara-rattle kami,” Saavedra said.
Congolese middle blocker Doula Ndongala contributed seven points on five attacks and two blocks. New team captain Ariel Cacao also scored seven points, alongside 17 excellent sets.
Second-year libero Vennie Caballos added nine excellent digs and six excellent receptions in the 84-minute triumph.
FEU aims to secure back-to-back victories when it takes on the University of the East on Wednesday, February 18, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
In his first UAAP game, Ousseini led the Green Spikers in the loss with nine points on seven attacks, one block, and one ace. Meanwhile, Eugene Gloria and MJ Fortuna added seven points each.
Joshua Magalaman contributed six points on five attacks and one block in his La Salle debut. Chris Hernandez was limited to five points but provided seven excellent receptions and three excellent digs.
The Green Spikers will look to enter the win column in a rivalry clash against the University of Santo Tomas Golden Spikers next Sunday, February 22, at the same venue.
