Far Eastern University completed a first-round sweep of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament after overcoming University of Santo Tomas, 28-30, 25-22, 25-17, 25-22, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.
The Tamaraws improved to 7-0, securing a second consecutive first-round sweep after achieving the same feat last season.
But head coach Eddieson Orcullo stressed that FEU must sustain its strong start by focusing on the areas that still need improvement in every match.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Siguro kailangan pang magtrabaho nang maigi. ‘Yung consistency, ‘yung pagtutok sa bawat isa para magkaroon kami — ‘yung nangyari nung last year nakalipas na ‘yun, ‘yung present sana magampanan namin ‘yung tungkulin namin na maging maayos pa sa ginagawa namin,” said Orcullo.
Although the Tamaraws dropped the opening frame, it was in that set where they began building momentum. UST reached set point first at 24-20, but FEU chipped away and extended the frame. Trevor Valera and Josh Ybañez helped the Golden Spikers claim the early edge, 30-28.
That close battle, however, gave FEU confidence they could overpower UST, which they did by capturing the second and third sets.
In the fourth, FEU showcased its late-game execution, breaking away from an 18-all tie as Lirick Mendoza, Mikko Espartero, and Amet Bituin unleashed key hits. Ultimately, UST’s crucial errors down the stretch handed FEU both the set and the match.
Ariel Cacao stood out by making FEU’s offense unpredictable, delivering 30 excellent sets and scoring five points himself, including four blocks.
Dryx Saavedra and Lirick Mendoza led five Tamaraws in double digits, each finishing with 17 points. Espartero added 14 points and 24 excellent receptions, while Bituin contributed 12 points on 12 attacks. Charles Absin also chipped in 10 points through six spikes and four blocks in just three sets of action.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
For UST, two-time MVP Ybañez carried the team with 21 points, eight receptions, and five digs, while JJ Macam added 13 points.
UST’s five-game winning streak was snapped, leaving them in solo third place at 5-2 at the end of the first round.
