Far Eastern University, despite battling illness throughout the week, showed no signs of slowing down as it outlasted Ateneo de Manila University in a grueling four-set clash, 25-23, 32-30, 23-25, 25-15, to remain unbeaten in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Sunday.
Several members of the Tamaraws’ squad fell ill, with some players needing to be isolated for three days before rejoining practice.
Meanwhile, head coach Eddieson Orcullo had to call the shots from the sidelines using crutches after undergoing surgery for his left Achilles.
Despite the setbacks, FEU displayed resilience, bouncing back from a third-set stumble to seal the win in two hours and two minutes.
“Actually, nag-undergo ang team sa struggle these past few days. May mga nagkasakit talaga pero nevertheless, with the guidance ni Lord, tapos ‘yung support sa amin, talagang ipinakita namin na kailangan namin itong game na ito kasi kung magpapabaya kami, sayang ‘yung 3-0 standing namin,” said FEU deputy coach Rene Dulay.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The extended second set proved pivotal, as the Blue Eagles faltered under pressure, committing four costly errors down the stretch. Mikko Espartero and Dryx Saavedra capitalized on these mistakes to push FEU ahead with a 2-0 set lead, 32-30.
However, Ateneo refused to go down without a fight. Amil Pacinio and Kennedy Batas stepped up in the third set, delivering crucial hits to extend the match, 25-23.
FEU remained unfazed, though, responding with dominance in the fourth. With Doula Ndongala and Saavedra spearheading the attack, the Tamaraws surged to a commanding 17-10 lead, ultimately securing their fourth straight victory.
“Nung natalo kami nung third set, I think nag-relax kami. Nawala ‘yung composure ng team pero napag-usapan ng grupo na ibalik ‘yung ginawa ng first two sets, at na-meet naman nila ‘yun,” Dulay added.
Espartero led FEU with 21 points, converting 18-of-36 spikes, while adding two blocks and an ace. He also contributed defensively with 11 excellent receptions and six digs.
Saavedra matched Espartero’s output with 21 points, including 15 attacks, five blocks, and an ace. Meanwhile, Congolese middle blocker Ndongala registered 10 points, four of which came from blocks.
FEU capitalized on its height advantage, dominating the net with a 16-8 lead in blocks. The Tamaraws also benefited from Ateneo’s 33 errors, while committing only 26 themselves.
Now at 4-0, FEU looks to extend its perfect run on Wednesday when it faces the University of the East at the same venue.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Ateneo, meanwhile, dropped to an even 2-2 slate, tying De La Salle for fourth place.
Batas continued his stellar performance in a losing effort, recording 22 points, 19 excellent receptions, and four digs. Jettlee Gopio and Brian Castro also made solid contributions with 12 points apiece.
The Blue Eagles will attempt to bounce back next Sunday against the University of Santo Tomas, also at the MOA Arena.
