The FEU Tamaraws look to reestablish themselves as the premier men's volleyball force in the UAAP Season 87 Finals against the mighty NU Bulldogs.
The UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Finals is set with the FEU Tamaraws facing the NU Bulldogs in a clash of historic programs and current powerhouses.
Game 1 of the best-of-3 series starts Sunday, May 11.
FEU’s Long-Awaited Return
After a six-season wait, FEU is back in the Finals for the first time since Season 81, and they’ve done it in style.
The Tamaraws finished the elimination round at 13-1, claiming the top seed, and made quick work of La Salle in the Final Four.
Crucially, they avoided a repeat of last season’s heartbreak, where despite also being the no. 1 seed, they were stunned in two games by UST.
This year, the Tamaraws look different—more mature, deeper, and armed with revenge and redemption.
The League’s Winningest Program
FEU enters the Finals carrying the weight and pride of being the most decorated men’s volleyball program in UAAP history with 25 championships.
Now, they aim to add another, led by a group that blends top-tier talent and depth.
A Balanced, Star-Studded Lineup
The formidable scoring duo of Dryx Saavedra and Mikko Espartero headlines this year’s team, consistently among the league’s top offensive threats.
In the front row, Lirick Mendoza and Doula Ndongala provide height, timing, and power at the net. On the backline, Ariel Cacao’s steady hands at setter and Vennie Paul Ceballos’ floor leadership at libero complete the puzzle.
FEU’s dominance isn’t just on paper—they finished the eliminations in the top two in both spiking and blocking, and also led the league in setting efficiency, proof of how well their system is clicking.
A Finals Worth the Wait
Now, it’s FEU vs. NU in a Finals stage that promises fireworks. For the Tamaraws, it’s a chance to reclaim past glory with a modern twist—and potentially reestablish themselves as the league’s premier force.
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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.]