Far Eastern University edged out Adamson University in three tightly contested sets, 25-23, 25-20, 31-29, to secure its sixth straight win in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament, Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The Tamaraws faced a daunting seven-point deficit in the third set, trailing 8-15, before the Soaring Falcons reached set point at 24-21.
Despite the odds, FEU refused to back down. Rookie Luis Miguel, Dryx Saavedra, and Mikko Espartero delivered three consecutive points, while libero Vennie Ceballos came up with crucial digs to force a deuce.
Jude Aguilar kept Adamson in the fight, but Saavedra and Espartero matched his efforts for FEU.
In the end, Aguilar’s attack error handed the Tamaraws match point, which Doula Ndongala capitalized on. He blocked Ahmed Tahiluddin to seal the victory in one hour and 39 minutes.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Malayo talaga ‘yung hinabol namin. Yung team chemistry ang nakita kong na-develop namin ngayon kaya nakahabol kami. Ibig sabihin, ‘yung team nagma-mature na,” said FEU assistant coach Rene Dulay, as the Tamaraws improved to 6-0 — just one win away from sweeping the first round.
FEU will look to complete the sweep next Saturday when it faces the De La Salle Green Spikers at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Saavedra, the lefty opposite spiker, led the Tamaraws with 18 points off 14 attacks and four blocks, while Espartero contributed 14 points built on 11 spikes and three blocks.
Setter Ariel Cacao, who entered as a substitute in the second set, dished out 15 excellent sets, while Ceballos anchored the floor defense with eight digs and 12 receptions.
Jelord Talisayan and Lirick Mendoza also chipped in eight points each for FEU.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Aguilar paced Adamson with 16 points, as the Soaring Falcons fell to 1-4, tying the UP Fighting Maroons for sixth place.
Tahiluddin added 11 points, while Leo Coguimbal contributed seven.
Adamson will aim to bounce back on Wednesday when it takes on defending champion National University at the MOA Arena.
