FEU Tamaraws’ Zhydryx Saavedra during a UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament game. –PHOTO: UAAP
MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University pulled off a 27-25, 25-14, 25-23 stunner over four-time defending champion National University to stay unbeaten in three games in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Tamaraws rallied from a 22-24 deficit in the opening set to extend the frame. FEU gained the advantage, 26-25, after an attack error from Leo Ordiales followed by the set-clinching block of Doula Ndongala.
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LIVE: UAAP Season 87 volleyball February 23 – UP vs Ateneo, NU vs FEU
FEU dominated the second set and survived the third despite NU cutting it down to 24-23 before Dryx Saavedra drilled the game-winning hit.
“Last night, we had a session where we talked about our character on the court. I also shared something there. Since this morning, I’ve been thinking that I need to live up to what I said—not just talk about it, but show and prove that I can do it,” said Saavedra, who had 20 points off 17 kills and three blocks.
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FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo relished their first win over NU since 2019 during the Season 81 opener and a 3-0 start, including a huge opening win over last year’s silver medalist and Final Four tormentor University of Santo Tomas.
But he stressed that they have yet to achieve anything.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament first round
“The work never stops. If you see our training sessions, from our last game until now, we haven’t stopped practicing,” said Orcullo.
“No one is stopping because the battle is just beginning—we’re not even halfway there yet. That’s why we keep fighting every single day.”
Jelord Talisayan also stepped up for the Tamaraws with 11 points including three aces and had 14 excellent receptions. Rookie Amet Bituin shone with 10 points.
NU slid to a 2-1 record with Buds Buddin leading the way with 12 points. Leo Aringo had 10 points and eight receptions.
Ateneo beats UP
Ateneo Blue Eagles’ Amil Pacinio. PHOTO: UAAP
Meanwhile, Ateneo overcame a first-set loss before taking down the University of the Philippines, 23-25, 25-18, 25-22, 25-19.
Ateneo fought back from a 21-23 deficit in the first set to tie it to 23-all but Amil Pacinio committed a crucial service error before Dan Nicolas sealed drew the first blood for UP with a block.
The Blue Eagles were quick to get their act together, winning the next three sets with Ken Batas and Jian Salarzon finishing with 17 points each to improve to a 2-1 record.
Batas drilled 16 attacks and had 18 excellent receptions, while Salarzon scattered 14 attacks and three blocks on top of 10 excellent receptions.
Pacinio had 15 points. Brian Castro and Jet Gopio completed the five Blue Eagles in double-digits with 12 and 11 points, respectively, as Lorenzo Gutierrez paced the team with 16 excellent sets with three points.
“We still have a lot to learn. Recovering has been tough because it was really heavy, but I’m thankful we came out with the win. I’m sure they were still carrying the loss from the last game. But like I said, they’re mature enough to handle those emotions,” said Ateneo coach Vince Mangulabnan.
“These past three games have been great learning experiences because if we combine the systems we used in all three, it will be just right for our preparation heading into the FEU game.”
UP absorbed its second straight loss, dropping to 1-2, with Angelo Lagando leading the way with 14 points, seven excellent receptions, and six excellent digs. Nicolas chipped in 11 points off five attacks, five blocks, and an ace, while leading scorer Olayemi Raheem was limited to 11 points on 9-of-32 spiking clip.