Coming from a demoralizing loss to the defending champs last Saturday, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws regained form with a convincing sweep of the University of the East Warriors, 25-18, 25-22, 25-21, in the UAAP Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena earlier today.
FEU confidently shuffled through their lineup, playing all but one of their spikers. The Tamaraws led right from the first point of each set and buried the Warriors for easy victories. The Tams only faced resistance in the third set.
UE seemed ready to put up a fight, trailing FEU by just one, 7-8, early in the third frame. But the Tamaraws rattled off six consecutive attacks to establish a 14-7 cushion. The Warriors slowly fought back through attacks from open hitters, Edward Camposano and Vince Abrot. As FEU’s reception faltered, their lead dwindled until UE suddenly had the lead 19-18. Not even needing a timeout, the Tamaraws regrouped and caused havoc with their serves. After a 4-0 run that gave them a 22-19 lead, the Tamaraws easily put the match out of reach.
“It’s good that we got this kind of win pagkatapos noong pagkatalo namin sa Ateneo. Hindi talaga lumabas ‘yung inensayo namin noon. Kaya ngayon talaga nagustuhan namin ‘yung pag-execute nang lahat ng pinasok namin,” said FEU head coach Rey Diaz.
FEU team captain Joshua Barrica poured in 10 points in his first start of the season, while Jude Garcia and Greg Dolor had nine points apiece.
The Tamaraws improved to a 2-1 record while UE are yet to win a match in three outings.
Last season’s Rookie of the Year Edward Camposano towed UE with 10 points, while Abrot contributed eight.
The Tamaraws face the Adamson University Falcons (1-1) on February 14, Sunday, 8 a.m. at the FilOil Flying V Centre while UE have the University of Santo Tomas Tigers (0-2) February 13, Saturday, 8 a.m. also at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores
FEU (3) – Barrica 10, Dolor 9, Garcia 9, Gacutan 8, Bugaoan 7, Margate 2, Solis 2, Silang 2, Quiel 1, Suarez 0, Villegas 0, Marmeto L. (L), Marmeto R. (L)
UE (0) – Camposano 10, Abrot 8, Ortega 4, Alba 3, Adviento 2, Saguin 2, Aljas 1, Yen Cheung 1, Imperil 0, Inoferio (L)
