After absorbing their first loss of the tournament last Wednesday, the Far Eastern University Tamaraws responded with a gritty, 27-25, 22-25, 25-23, 36-34, over the skidding University of Santo Tomas Tiger Spikers at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
FEU received a boost from UST’s errors as the Tiger Spikers gave up 43 to their 31. UST piled up most of their errors in the fourth set’s deuce which saw both teams trade advantage.
A service error from veteran Arnold Bautisa allowed the Tamaraws to break even, 34-all. From there, high-flying Jude Garcia provided FEU’s last two points, highlighted by a sharp kill past two blockers.
The Tamaraws were motivated to bounce back after a disappointing loss to National University last Wednesday, said FEU head coach Rey Diaz.
“‘Yung pagkatalo, ginamit talaga naming motivation. Alam naming mas may ibubuga pa kami kunpata doon sa pinakita naman last Wednesday. Ang goal namin is finish strong itong first round,” Diaz expressed.
Garcia topped the Tamaraws with 19 points off 13 attacks, five blocks, and an ace. Redijohn Paler added 16 markers.
FEU ends the first round with a 6-1 record, currently on top of the standings, just half a game ahead of Ateneo (5-1) and NU (5-1).
UST wasted Arnold Bautista’s and Josh Umandal’s outing, as the pair scored 21 and 20 points, respectively.
UST falls to 3-4 to cap the first round.
The Scores
FEU (3) – Garcia 19, Paler 16, Bugaoan 13, Quiel 5, Bautista 4, Silang 4, Dablo 3, Hadlocon 1, Salabsab 1, Suarez 1, Marmeto (L)
UST (1) – Bautista 21, Umandal 20, Medina 11, Sumagaysay 10, Carodan 6, Buro 3, Arbasto 2, Tajanlangit 2, Casillan 1, Valenzuela 0, Sawal (L)
