The Far Eastern University Tamaraws’ march to the Final Four received after an early boost after the Morayta Spikers survived a five-set classic against the Adamson University Soaring Falcons, a team they had failed to beat last season, 25-22, 25-19, 28-30, 25-27, 15-10, in the UAAP Season 79 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
After taking the first two sets convincingly, FEU head coach Rey Diaz braces his wards for a strong Adamson rally in the third set.
“Alam namin na hindi basta-basta nagpapato ‘yung Adamson. Iba ‘yung samahan nang mga players nila. Kaya sinabi ko talaga na wala kaming espasyo para mag-relax,” Diaz recalled.
True to form, the Falcons used their patented floor defense and quick transitions to keep pace with the hard-hitting Tamaraws. Adamson managed to force a deciding set as the third and fourth set came down to frantic deuces, which the Tamaraws lost due to costly errors.
“Problema talaga namin ‘yang mga errors. Mahirap magbigay ng puntos sa kalaban. Kaya kailangan talaga namin tibayan ‘yung sarili namin. Sa maturity talaga nagkakatalunan ngayon,” Diaz added.
The fifth frame saw the Tamaraws hit the Falcons with a decisive 5-0 blitz that produced a 10-5 cushion. From there, the Tamaraws worked the side-outs impeccably, passing efficiently and spreading the offense to close the match.
“Makikita naman na malaki talaga ‘yung potential nang mga players namin in terms of skills. Wala na talaga kaming kulang diyan. May mga detalye na lang talaga kami na kailangan i-polish,” closed Diaz.
Fiery middle blocker Greg Dolor led five Tamaraws who scored in double-digits with 19 points, while sophomore sensation Jude Garcia added 17.
FEU (2-0) take on defending champs Ateneo de Manila University (1-0) on Sunday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Jerome Sarmiento led the skidding Falcons with 25 points while middle blocker Pao Pablico managed 13.
The Falcons (0-2) also play on Sunday, taking on last season’s runner-up National University Bulldogs (1-0).
The Scores
FEU (3) – Dolor 19, Garcia 17, Quiel 14, Solis 13, Bugaoan 12, Suarez 3, Camcam 2, Bautista 1, Paler 1, Silang 1, Marmeto (L)
AdU (2) – Sarmiento 25, Pablico 13, Sudaria 11, Pletado 9, Yude 4, Miranda 3, Ramirez 2, Labang 1, Melgar 0, Mendiolla (L)
