Far Eastern University ensured it wouldn’t suffer the same fate as National University after witnessing the Lady Bulldogs’ first loss of the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Tournament just a game before theirs.
The Tamaraws overcame a third-set stumble against the winless University of the East Red Warriors, securing a 25-19, 25-17, 23-25, 25-18 victory to remain unbeaten in the UAAP Men’s Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
With the win, FEU improved to 9-0, setting up a highly-anticipated clash against defending champion NU on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Yung second round talaga, lahat ng teams pupukpok para makuha ‘yung match siyempre. ‘Yung third set namin, medyo talagang malayo lang ang score kaya ang hirap habulin. Buti nakapag-cope up kami nung fourth set,” said Tamaraws head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
Despite falling behind 19-12 in the third set, FEU fought back to close the gap to 23-24 before Isaiah Roca’s off-the-block hit extended the match for UE.
The Tamaraws, however, refused to be denied in the fourth frame. Doula Ndongala and Dryx Saavedra combined for an 8-2 finishing run, sealing the victory in one hour and 56 minutes.
“I want to thank my coaches for giving me the opportunity to play. We should not stop despite our undefeated record; we need to focus more this second round,” said Ndongala, the Congolese middle blocker who led FEU with 14 points on nine spikes, four blocks, and an ace.
Ariel Cacao orchestrated the Tamaraws’ offense with 21 excellent sets, while Saavedra and Lirick Mendoza chipped in 13 points each. Mikko Espartero also delivered 12 points and 13 excellent receptions in the win.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, the Red Warriors fell to 0-9, teetering on the brink of elimination. This also marked their 16th consecutive defeat dating back to the second round of Season 86.
New starters Xjhann Camaymayan and Isaiah Roca spearheaded UE’s efforts with 15 points apiece, while Raquim Aceron added 11 points and 34 excellent receptions.
UE will continue its hunt for a breakthrough victory against University of the Philippines on Sunday.
