It has been two straight heartbreaking seasons for Far Eastern University, falling just short of the title both times.
In Season 86, the Tamaraws, despite earning the top seed after the eliminations, were ousted by fourth-ranked UST Golden Spikers in the Final Four.
Then in Season 87, FEU finally reached the Finals and won Game 1 against National University. They came just one win away from their first championship in 10 seasons — only for the Bulldogs to take Games 2 and 3, securing a fifth consecutive crown and denying the Tamaraws once again.
While both losses left a bitter taste, the more recent heartbreak stings the most for Lirick Mendoza, as the championship slipped from their grasp after just three sets.
That’s why FEU felt determined to exact revenge in their finals rematch with NU in the UAAP Season 88 Men’s Volleyball Tournament, taking a morale-boosting 22-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-20 win on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Talagang pinaghandaan namin itong game na ito kasi last year, mas masakit pa ‘yun sa nangyari nung Season 86 sa UST. Kaya grabe ‘yung willingness sa buong team na kailangan maipanalo namin ito,” said Mendoza after the win.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Mendoza, who was part of both heartbreaks, led FEU with 17 points on 13 spikes, three blocks, and one ace.
Three other Tamaraws reached double digits: Amet Bituin tallied 16 points, Dryx Saavedra added 15, and Doula Ndongala chipped in 14.
While encouraging his team to remember the pain of the past, head coach Eddieson Orcullo also emphasized the need for mental readiness, ensuring emotions don’t take over.
“Makikita naman sa body language ng bawat isa, siyempre, gusto naming makuha ulit, makabawi kami doon sa last season na nangyari,” Orcullo said on the team’s mindset.
“Over emotions, dapat utak muna ‘yung paganahin namin kasi kapag nauuna ‘yung emotion, medyo mahirap din sa amin kaya para maiwasan ‘yung gigil, kailangan before, during, saka after the match we clear our minds.”
FEU now leads the league with a 3-0 record and looks to extend its unbeaten streak on March 1 against Adamson University at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
