Amet Bituin delivered when it mattered most as top-ranked Far Eastern University survived a thrilling five-set escape against fourth-seeded Ateneo de Manila University, 25-23, 20-25, 16-25, 25-17, 15-12, to book its place in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Finals on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
After the Blue Eagles erased a 3-8 deficit in the fifth set to come within striking distance at 12-11, Bituin showed remarkable composure beyond his years.
The 20-year-old outside hitter then came through with three consecutive crosscourt attacks that powered the Tamaraws to their second straight UAAP men’s volleyball finals appearance.
FEU will now await the winner between second-seeded National University and third-seeded University of Santo Tomas, with their match ongoing as of posting.
“Balikan natin yung whole duration ng match. Siguro masasabi ko na ito yung mae-expect sa semis, hindi ba? Lagi natin sinasabi na this is the UAAP, at hindi napakadali manalo. Kung makikita naman natin yung adjustments ng bawat isa, masasabi ko na respetadong coach talaga si coach Vince [Mangulabnan],” Tamaraws head coach Eddieson Orcullo said.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
After a dominant 25-17 win in the fourth set, FEU carried its momentum into the deciding frame. The team raced to an early 8-3 lead, highlighted by a net touch error from Nigerian spiker Aimar Okeke and an off-the-block hit from Bituin.
Ateneo, however, refused to go down quietly. It mounted a 6-2 run capped by back-to-back crosscourt hits from Okeke and a key block by Amil Pacinio on Bituin, cutting the deficit to just 12-11.
In the end, FEU held its ground, with Bituin once again stepping up by finishing the match with three straight crosscourt attacks to complete the comeback from a 1-2 set deficit.
The Blue Eagles were on the verge of forcing a rubber match after dominating the second and third sets, but FEU’s poise in the clutch proved decisive in sealing the reverse sweep.
“Kanina yung nasa isip ko lang nung last part na nung game, habang naglalaro kasi kanina… Nagpa-pray ako sa utak ko na ‘Lord, bigyan Niyo pa ako ng konting lakas para ma-push pa itong laro na ito, para ma-overcome itong laro na ito, at para makuha namin yung laro na ito,'” said Bituin, who finished with 12 points on 11 attacks and one block. He also had 10 excellent receptions and five excellent digs in the two-hour, two-minute marathon.
“Nagtiwala lang din ako sa mga teammate ko kanina at sa mga coaches, kung ano yung binibigay na instructions, sunod lang kami.”
Dryx Saavedra led FEU with 14 points and three excellent digs, while Lirick Mendoza added 13 points built on 10 attacks and three blocks. Mikko Espartero contributed 11 points, 15 excellent receptions, and three excellent digs.
Team captain Ariel Cacao orchestrated the offense with 26 excellent sets, while Vennie Ceballos anchored the defense with 21 excellent receptions and 14 excellent digs.
FEU’s only loss of the season came against the Bulldogs in the second round, while the 25-time champions also swept the Golden Spikers in their elimination round meetings.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Meanwhile, in their first Final Four appearance since a bronze-medal finish in Season 81, the Blue Eagles settled for fourth place. Ateneo will also move forward without Season 85 Best Libero Lance de Castro and middle blocker Brian Castro heading into Season 89.
Okeke led Ateneo with 24 points on 22 attacks and two blocks, along with six excellent receptions and five excellent digs. Ken Batas followed with 15 points on 11 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, plus 15 excellent receptions.
Jian Salarzon posted 12 points and 19 excellent receptions, while Rodge Alejos added nine points on six attacks and three blocks.
In their final game for Ateneo, Castro contributed seven points, and De Castro finished with 20 excellent receptions and six excellent digs.
