The Far Eastern University Tamaraws continued their solid start in the UAAP Men’s Volleyball Tournament, nailing their fourth win in a row at the expense of the ailing De La Salle University Green Spikers 22-25, 25-20, 25-23, 25-19 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
After a strong start, the La Sallians could not keep up with FEU’s adjustments in the next sets. FEU took an insurmountable eight point lead in the second frame, 12-4, off quick and combination plays. The Tamaraws then had a five point lead, 20-15, in the third set. La Salle’s Raymark Woo led a late comeback, but FEU had enough plays up their sleeves to squeak out another set win. By the fourth set, the Green Spikers were drained of will. FEU bolted to a 7-2 lead which La Salle could not cut into.
Veteran FEU middle hitter Greg Dolor tallied a game-high 19 points built on 15 spikes and a four blocks. Team captain Josh Barrica pitched in 15 points, while rookie Jude Garcia managed 10 markers.
“Talagang nakita ko kanina na nag-enjoy ‘yung mga players which is nakaka-touch para sa aming mga coach,” said FEU head coach Rey Diaz. “Kita ‘yung confidence nila kanina. Once na talagang nagtiwala sila sa sarili nila tulad ng pagtiwala naming mga coaches sa kanila, malayo talaga ang mararating ng team this season.”
Open hitters Raymark Woo and Arjay Onia towed La Salle with 17 and 12 points respectively. After winning their first match against the University of the East Red Warriors, La Salle dropped their next five matches.
FEU, now at 4-2, finishes the first round against the National University Bulldogs (4-2) on Wednesday, 8 a.m. at the FilOil Flying V Centre. On the same day and venue, La Salle takes on the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses (1-5) on 10 a.m.
The Scores
FEU (3) – Dolor 19, Barrica 15, Garcia 10, Bugaoan 8, Gacutan 7, Solis 7, Quiel 3, Margate 1, Paler 1, Suarez 0, Silang 0, Marmeto R. (L), Marmeto L. (L)
DLSU (1) – Woo 17, Onia 12, Calasin 6, Frey 6, Asia G. 5, Delos Reyes 5, Dimayuga 3, Bacon 1, Dumago 1, Jose 1, Movido (L), Asia R. (L)
