The Far Eastern University Tamaraws pulled off their biggest win of the season, out-muscling reigning NCAA champs University of Perpetual Help System DALTA Altas in four sets, 25-23, 25-15, 20-25, 25-20, in Group A of the 2016 Spikers’ Turf Collegiate Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
All sets were close until the Altas gave way in crucial moments. The first set was tied until FEU claimed three straight points to take a 23-20 lead. The Tamaraws then claimed the set, making the most of their sideouts and escaping the Altas who had threatened to force a deuce. The wheels came off the Perpetual wagon early in the second set. From a 12-all tie, FEU sprinted to a comfortable 22-13 lead and took a 2-0 sets lead.
The Altas controlled much of the third set. Leading 17-13, the Altas saw their lead dwindle down to two before making another surge. Perpetual elevated their 20-18 lead to 23-18 after a flurry of FEU errors to claim their only set. The fourth was again close, tied at 14 late on. FEU slowly broke away, taking a sizeable 22-15 advantage. The Altas crept forward slowly but surrendered the match off their own errors and mis-receptions.
“Ang hinahanap talaga namin sa mga players ay maturity. Mabuti na at nakakakuha kami ng mga ganitong challenge ngayon para makakuha kami ng experience. Bata pa talaga ang team,” said FEU head coach Rey Diaz.
Spikers’ Turf Open Conference MVP Greg Dolor bolstered FEU with 19 points, while his fellow middle hitter Bugaoan added 15 markers.
Allan Sala-an led the Altas with 14 markers. Relan Taneo added 11, while Rey Taneo managed 10.
FEU’s win put Group A oat n a three-way tie with them, with Perpetual and NU at 3-1 and La Salle looming with a 2-1 slate.
FEU meet the De La Salle University for their final elimination round match on August 31, 10am, at the PhilSports Arena. Perpetual take on the NU on August 27, 12nn, at the FilOil Flying B Centre.
The Scores
FEU (3) – Dolor 19, Bugaoan 15, Solis 9, Cayaban 8, Garcia 6, Paler 5, Silang 5, Bautista 3, Quiel 1, Suarez 0, Detalban 0, Barrica (L), Marmeto (L)
UPHSD (1) – Sala-An 11, Taneo Rel 11, Taneo Rey 10, Doliente 8, Narvasa 7, Ramos 5, Abcede 2, Catipay 1, Bation 0, Muhali 0, Kalingking (L)
