JJ Javelona was a spark plug off the bench in Far Eastern University’s first two games of the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament.
With his splendid performances, Tamaraws head coach Edd Orcullo decided to move the needle and insert the impressive wing spiker into the starting lineup.
In FEU’s first game against University of the Philippines – a straight sets win – Javelona put in seven points in limited minutes.
He then replicated his scoring output against De La Salle University, which they beat in four sets.
“Nagpapasalamat ako kay coach kasi kahit saang pwesto ako ilagay, nakakaya ko and nag-a-adjust talaga ako palagi. Ready ako talaga,” said the UAAP Season 81 High School Boys’ Volleyball MVP after shining in the First Six.
The 23-year-old junior lifted FEU to its third straight win, defeating University of the East, 25-22, 25-17, 25-15 on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
He unloaded 13 points on 11 attacks and two blocks along with four digs and four excellent receptions.
“Sobrang napakaganda sa team namin kasi naipanalo agad namin yung tatlong game. Magandang simula sa amin and mas magfo-focus pa kami sa aming net defense para mas titibay pa lalo yung team,” said Javelona as the Tamaraws rose to the top of the league at 3-0.
Orcullo was delighted to see how his team operates well even with the constant changes in the lineup, showcasing how ready everyone in the team is.
In their previous game, he even shared how every player in the squad can shine in the starting six.
“Yun ang lagi naming sinasabi sa player kumbaga seize the moment, bigyan natin ng pagkakataon yung sarili natin kasi hindi na mauulit yan kaya kapag binigyan tayo ng pagkakataon, always grab it,” said Orcullo, who is in his first year as the head coach of FEU.
“Maganda lang yung communication sa bawat isa. Yung pagdedeliver ng words from the coaches to players medyo nagkakaunawaan kami sa lahat ng gusto naming mangyari kaya siguro kahit anong gawin (gumagana).”
