The top-ranked FEU Tamaraws are first to the UAAP Season 87 Finals after beating a game DLSU Green Spikers in the Final Four.
The FEU Tamaraws are finally back in the UAAP men’s volleyball Finals.
Shaking off the ghosts of last year’s collapse, the top-seeded Tamaraws punched their ticket to the Season 87 championship round after dispatching no. 4 seed La Salle, 24-26, 25-23, 25-19, 25-20, on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
FEU, which blew a twice-to-beat edge against UST in last year’s Final Four, made sure there would be no repeat this time. With a balanced attack and solid net defense, the Tamaraws clinched their first Finals appearance since Season 81.
Mikko Espartero and Doula Ndongala powered FEU with 17 points apiece, with the latter contributing on all fronts—12 attacks, four blocks, and an ace.
Lirick Mendoza chipped in 14 points to back the Tamaraws’ steady offense.
Despite a 19-point effort from Noel Kampton, the Green Spikers couldn't sustain their early momentum after taking the opening set.
With the win, FEU awaits the winner of the do-or-die matchup between NU and UST in the other semifinal bracket.
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]