Mikko Espartero propelled Far Eastern University to a perfect first-round finish, guiding the Tamaraws past De La Salle University, 22-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-19, in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
Espartero, a rookie sensation, took charge in the fourth set with a personal 6-0 run that turned a slim 11-10 lead into a commanding 17-10 advantage.
In that crucial stretch, the first-year standout fired four service aces, giving the Tamaraws enough breathing room to secure the win in one hour and 59 minutes.
With the victory, FEU completed a 7-0 sweep of the first round while snapping La Salle’s three-game winning streak. The Green Spikers fell to 4-3, sharing fourth place with Ateneo de Manila University.
The Tamaraws have drawn strength from their “gold is the goal” mantra, serving as a driving force for the Season 86 third placers.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Wala lang titigil dapat sa ginagawa namin. Kung ano ‘yung nasimulan namin, hanggang dulo masustain namin ‘yung gusto naming mangyari sa second round,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo on maintaining their unbeaten run.
Espartero delivered a stellar performance, finishing with 27 points built on 21-of-41 attacks, five aces, and a block. He also added seven excellent receptions.
The Tamaraws broke a one-set apiece deadlock with a thrilling comeback in the third frame, closing the set with four straight points. Jelord Talisayan capped the run with a powerful hit off a floating ball, capitalizing on a botched La Salle reception from Espartero’s serve, sealing the set at 25-22.
“Mahalaga ‘yung healthy pause at dahan-dahan na huminga, kumalma, at huwag magpadala sa pressure. ‘Yun ‘yung nakita ko nung first set kaya nagkastruggle,” Espartero shared about the key to shifting momentum after their slow start.
Dryx Saavedra added 17 points for FEU, while Lirick Mendoza contributed 13 points on 10 attacks and three blocks. Rookie Vennie Ceballos continued his impressive form, tallying 13 receptions and 12 digs.
FEU dominated the attacking department, outspiking La Salle 60-51. The two teams matched each other in blocks (9-9) and service aces (5-4), but it was the Tamaraws’ offensive firepower that proved decisive.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
For La Salle, Noel Kampton led the charge with 18 points, while Rui Ventura chipped in 15 points.
