The Far Eastern University Tamaraws went hunting to start their UAAP Season 80 Men’s Volleyball campaign, sweeping the three-time defending champions Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 25-18, 25-19, 25-23, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Tamaraws ended the Blue Eagles’ 30-game winning streak, which dates all the way back to Season 78, when Ateneo lost to the Adamson University Falcons in the third game of that season. This was also FEU’s first win against Ateneo since the first round of Season 76.
“Pinaghirapan namin ng lahat yun. Pinaghirapan naming lahat. Kanina nga pinag-uusapan namin kung kailan ba huling nanalo nag FEU sa Ateneo? So, isa siya sa motivation na ginamit namin,” said FEU head coach Rey Diaz.
“‘Yung mga pag-fall namin, mga downside namin, siya ‘yung ginawa naming strength and motivation sa bawat isa from players up to coaching staff talagang nag-participate, nag-contribute. Dini-dedicate namin lahat sa mga mahal namin sa buhay,” the youthful mentor furthered.
The Tamaraws made a leap last season, coming within a game of the Finals, before falling to the National University in a do-or-die game.
Three Tamaraws led the charge against Ateneo, with middle blocker JP Bugaoan compiling 13 points, Jude Garcia adding 12, and team captain Richard Solis managing 10.
The Tamaraws, who were at a size disadvantage, dominated the Blue Eagles at the net. The Morayta-based spikers tallied 10 blocks to Ateneo’s five and basked in a 37-28 spiking advantage.
Four-time UAAP MVP Marck Espejo led Ateneo with 12 points but none of his teammates managed double-digits.
The Tamaraws next play on Saturday against the Adamson University (0-1) at the FilOil Flying V Centre. The Blue Eagles (0-1) will take on another major challenge early in the season, facing the National U Bulldogs on Wednesday. NU and Ateneo have figured in the last four UAAP Finals.
The Scores
NU (3) – Bugaoan 13, Garcia 11, Solis 10, Suarez 5, Bautista 4, Quiel 4, Dablo 0, Detalban 0, Paler 0, Silang 0, Marmeto (L)
ADMU (0) – Espejo 12, Baysa 7, Glorioso 6, Rivera 5, Medalla 4, Njigha 1, Tan 1, Labao 0, Morado 0, Sumanguid (L)
