Far Eastern University drew first blood in its 2024 V-League Collegiate Challenge Men’s Division best-of-three semifinals series, trouncing undermanned National University, 25-23, 25-20, 24-26, 25-16, on Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The Tamaraws had a chance to close out the match in the third set, but consecutive attack errors allowed NU to extend the game.
However, Tamaraws captain Jelord Talisayan took matters into his own hands, sealing the one-hour-and-47-minute contest with a powerful spike that pierced through the Bulldogs’ defense in the fourth set.
FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo saw his team’s slim lead at the second technical timeout of the fourth set and urged his players to raise their intensity.
“Kailangan lang maitaas lang uli ‘yung morale kasi ‘yung errors ang taas eh. Yun lang, para mabalik uli ‘yung composure nung mga players,” said Orcullo, emphasizing the need to regain their confidence after a series of mistakes.
“Siguro ginusto lang nila manalo at makuha ‘tong fourth set para Manalo sa Game 1. Importante kasi ‘tong Game 1 eh.”
With the win, the Tamaraws will aim to close out the series on Sunday at 5:00 PM, again at the PhilSports Arena.
Momentum was on display from the outset, with NU leading most of the first set. However, FEU stayed composed, finding crucial contributions from Talisayan and Dryx Saavedra.
As the set neared its conclusion, Lirick Mendoza came up with a clutch block against Leo Aringo, giving FEU the set advantage.
In the second set, the Tamaraws capitalized on NU’s errors, building a comfortable lead and maintaining control. Despite some spirited play from the Bulldogs, attack miscues ultimately cost NU the set.
NU responded in the third set by tightening their net defense, amassing most of their 10 blocks during the frame. This defensive stand forced Talisayan into multiple hitting errors, allowing the Bulldogs to claim the set and extend the match.
However, that would be NU’s last stand, as FEU quickly regained control in the fourth set.
Talisayan, determined to put the match away, led the charge with near-flawless play, allowing the Tamaraws to secure the victory.
Talisayan finished the match with 21 points, coming from 20 kills and one block, while Saavedra added 14 points, all from attacks.
The steady playmaking of last year’s skipper and setter, Benny Martinez, proved crucial, as he tallied 20 excellent sets along with two points.
On the NU side, Jan Abanilla, who had been instrumental in their previous win against De La Salle University, contributed 16 points with 12 attacks, three blocks, and a service ace. Mac Bandola and Aringo added 15 and 11 points, respectively.
The Bulldogs were without several key players, including head coach Dante Alinsunurin, as well as spikers Buds Buddin, Jade Disquitado, Peng Taguibolos, and Choi Diao, who are all in Italy for the Alas Pilipinas Men’s training camp.
