The Far Eastern University Tamaraws remained atop the UAAP Season 80 Men’s Volleyball totem pole after quelling the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 30-28, 25-21, 24-26, 25-16, to remain unbeaten at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
FEU almost surrendered the match due to an uncharacteristic 45-error tally. The Tamaraws, however, wrestled away crucial sets thanks to stellar blocking and transition play.
The Morayta-based spikers tallied 60 attacks to UP’s 41, while they displayed their league-leading blocking prowess with 15 rejections to UP’s four.
According to head coach Rey Diaz, the Tamaraws’ struggle with errors came as a surprise, as they haven’t given up many miscues this season.
“Siguro hindi lang maganda ang gising kasi hindi naman ganyan usually ‘yung ginagalaw ng mga bata. Nagsimula kasi kami noong first set na maraming error kaya nagtuloy-tuloy na,” said the young mentor.
“May swerte na rin siguro na nakakuha kami noong mga crucial na set, pero malaki naman ang tiwala namin sa mga players na makakabangon sila sa mga ganyang sitwasyon,” he added.
Team captain Richard Solis led the Tams with 19 points, while Jude Garcia added 14 markers which includes three blocks.
Wendel Miguel tallied 12 markers for the Maroons, while opposite hitter Mark Millete managed 10.
The Tamaraws (4-0) face the winless University of the East Red Warriors (0-4) on Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. The Fighting Maroons (1-3) take on the defending champions Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles (3-1) on Sunday.
The Scores
FEU (3) – Solis 19, Garcia 14, Bugaoan 13, Quiel 11, Paler 6, Salabsab 6, Bautista 5, Suarez 3, Hadlocon 1, Silang 1, Dablo 0, Detalban 0, Marmeto (L)
UP (1) – Miguel 12, Millete 10, Consuelo 8, San Pascual 7, Gohoc 5, Castillo 3, Acuna 1, Baldelovar 0, Gohoc 0, Madrigalejos 0, Nasol (L)
