The young herd of the Far Eastern University Tamaraws bagged their second win in three outings in Group A of the 2016 Spikers’ Turf Collegiate Conference, trotting past the Philippine Merchant Marine School Mariners 25-19, 25-16, 25-23 at the historic PhilSports Arena.
The Morayta-based spikers barely faced any resistance in the first two sets but tailed off in the final set, allowing the Mariners to take the lead. FEU head coach Rey Diaz attributes their sudden dip in performance to the their relative youth.
“Ganyan talaga kapag nakakuha kami ng lamang sa kalaban – medyo nagre-relax. ‘Yan ang sinusubukan namin ng coaching staff mabago sa mga bata sa tournament na ‘to,” Diaz remarked.
FEU fell behind, 18-22, in the waning moments of the third set after string of net touches and attack errors.
“Gusto kasi nila kuhanin agad sa block ‘yung mga atake ng kalaban kaya madalas kaming na-net touch. Sabi ko sa kanila alalahanin lang nila ‘yung pattern namin at magtiwala lang sa isa’t isa,” Diaz recalled reminding his players during a crucial timeout.
The Tamaraws managed to climb back thanks to crucial defensive plays. FEU forced a 23-all tie setting up a block from Greg Dolor and a Richard Solis kill on an overpassed ball to take the match.
Spikers’ Turf Open Conference MVP Greg Dolor led the Tamaraws with 12 points while Richard Solis added 10 markers.
Kelvin Balanga and guest player Kurl Rosete each provided nine points for the Las Piñas-based spikers.
FEU (2-1) takes on NCAA champs University of Perpetual Help System – Dalta Altas (3-0) on August 22, 12 pm at the PhilSports Arena. PMMS faces the De La Salle University Green Spikers (1-2) on August 24, 10 am also at the PhilSports Arena.
The Scores
FEU (3) – Dolor 12, Solis 10, Cayaban 7, Quiel 5, Bugaoan 5, Bautista 3, Silang 2, Paler 0, Suarez 0, Detalban 0, Dablo 0, Barrica (L), Marmeto (L)
PMMS (0) – Balanga 9, Rosete 9, Chan 5, Macalma 4, Premaylon 3, Del Carmen 2, Hasim 2, Pakingan 1, Garcia 0, Gapaz 0, Llanera (L), Santos (L)
