Far Eastern University wasted no time settling an old score, overpowering University of Santo Tomas in a 20-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-20 victory to open its UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament campaign, Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Tamaraws made a strong statement in their season debut, avenging last year’s heartbreaking Final Four defeat at the hands of UST — a loss that stripped them of their twice-to-beat advantage despite being the top seed.
That upset marked the first time since the Final Four format was introduced in 2004 that a fourth-seeded team advanced to the Finals.
“Yung match na ito, nung natalo kami nung game two sa semis last season, agad-agad gusto namin maglaro ulit. Siguro ‘yun lang yung naging motivation para sa araw na ito, para sa araw na naglaro kami, motivation namin para makabawi,” said Tamaraws head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
He added, “Although first game pa lang ng UAAP, gusto ko matuloy-tuloy yung sitwasyon namin ngayon.”
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
After conceding the opening set, FEU bounced back with a 25-22 win in the second, then seized control in the third. It broke away from a slim 8-6 lead to an 18-11 cushion en route to a 2-1 set advantage.
Tied at 10-all in the fourth set, Lirick Mendoza, Mikko Espartero, and Jelord Talisayan ignited a 6-2 run to push FEU ahead 16-12.
A crosscourt kill from Season 86 beach volleyball MVP Alche Gupiteo and an attack error by Espartero briefly trimmed UST’s deficit to 21-18. But timely strikes from Talisayan, Espartero, and Dryx Saavedra secured the Tamaraws’ redemption victory.
UST’s defeat was further marred by a late-game injury to two-time MVP Josh Ybanez, who suffered an apparent right ankle injury at the 22-18 mark of the fourth set.
Attempting a backrow attack, Ybanez landed on teammate Trevor Valera’s foot and was forced to exit the match.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Before his injury, Ybanez, alongside Gboy de Vega and Valera, had powered the Golden Spikers to a first-set win with a string of attacks.
Espartero led FEU’s charge with 19 points on 16 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, while also contributing six digs and six receptions.
Talisayan and Saavedra added 13 points each, while Congolese middle blocker Doula Ndongala chipped in 12 points, including two blocks.
Defensively, Vennie Ceballos tallied 14 excellent digs, while Benny Martinez ran the offense efficiently with 17 excellent sets, guiding FEU to a dominant 61-40 advantage in spiking.
The Tamaraws will look to ride their momentum when they face the University of the Philippines on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
Meanwhile, Ybanez finished with 15 points before exiting the match, while Valera stepped up with 11 points, including seven attacks and four blocks.
Season 85 Boys’ Best Libero Edriel Alabar made a solid UAAP debut with eight excellent digs and eight excellent receptions, while team captain Dux Yambao recorded 13 excellent sets and three points.
UST will try to bounce back when it battles the University of the East Red Warriors on Saturday, Feb. 22, also at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
