After a disappointing first outing, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws picked up a decisive four-set victory against the traffic-burdened College of Saint Benilde Blazers, 25-17, 26-28, 25-15, 25-21 in Group A of the Spikers’ Turf Collegiate Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
The Blazers almost risked forfeiture of the game after arriving late, well-past the allotted time for official warm-ups. The Tamaraws’ crisp passing and defense was too much even when Benilde got their bearings in the latter half of the match.
FEU bolted to early eight-points leads in each of the sets they won, only succumbing in the second set due to serve and attack errors.
Sophomore JP Bugaoan blistered for 20 points off 14 attacks and six block kills while veteran middle blocker and Spikers’ Turf Open Conference MVP Greg Dolor tallied 19 points for the Morayta-based spikers.
“Okay naman yung nilaro ng mga bata. Ang objective ko naman talaga is mag-enjoy ‘yung players – which is nangyari naman. Kaya lang siguro, ‘yung sakit ng mga sophomores at juniors na players, pagdating sa dulo bumibitaw. Kapag medyo lumalamang, rumerelax,” said FEU head coach Rey Diaz.
“Ni-remind ko na lang sila na mas kailangan na hindi magbigay ng pag-asa sa kalaban. Medyo nag-rerelax, talaga sakit ng mga sophomore.”
Johnvic De Guzman led his Benilde Blazers with 15 markers while open hitter Isaah Arda contributed 13 points.
FEU (1-1) next takes on the Philippine Merchant Marine School Mariners (0-2) on Saturday, 12:00 nn. CSB (0-2) aims for their first win against NCAA rivals University of Perpetual Help System Dalta – Altas (2-0) on August 17, 12:00 nn. Both matches will be at the PhilSports Arena.
The Scores:
FEU (3) – Bugaoan 20, Dolor 19, Garcia 10, Solis 10, Cayaban 7, Silang 3, Bautista 2, Detalban 0, Suarez 0, Barrica (L), Suarez (L)
CSB (1) – De Guzman 15, Arda 13, Bagalay 8, Jordan 7, Orian 4, Deximo 2, Bautista 1, Magsino 0, Basilan 0, Magsino 0, Dy (L)
