The FEU Tamaraws are primed for a marquee rematch with defending champion NU Bulldogs, which beat them in the UAAP men's volleyball finals last season.
Far Eastern University overcame an error-filled second set and a tense third to complete its sweep of the University of the East, 25-20, 25-23, 25-23, for a 2-0 start in UAAP Season 88 men's volleyball Wednesday, Feb. 18, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
The Tamaraws shrugged off 13 miscues in the second frame, before leaning on Mikko Espartero, Dryx Saavedra and Congolese middle blocker Doula Ndongala to prevail in a narrow third set and earn a share of the top spot with next foe, National U.
“Respect doon sa opponent namin, Nakita ninyo naman, 'yong UE, ayaw magbigay ng puntos," said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
"'Yong depensa at serving, gusto nilang magkaroon kami ng out-of-system play. Thank you rin sa boys kasi kahit papaano, na-overcome namin 'yong bagay na ‘yon."
The Tamaraws, yet to lose a set in their first two matches, are warmed up for their blockbuster showdown with the six-peat-seeking Bulldogs Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
FEU bowed to NU, in the Finals last season.
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Dryx Saavedra and Lirick Mendoza lead the FEU Tamaraws in their second straight win against the UE Red Warriors. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Earlier in the day, the Bulldogs mauled Adamson, 25-13, 25-18, 25-15.
“Siguro, mindsetting… 'Yong game sa Saturday, basta't lalaruin namin 'yong best that we can be and ilalabas lang namin 'yong full potential ng isa,” he added.
[RELATED STORY: Leo Ordiales, NU stay focused amid pressure of 6-peat chase in UAAP volleyball]
FEU made up for its error-strewn showing in the second set, as it steeled itself down the stretch to break a 23-all standoff behind a Dryx Saavedra down-the-line hit and a Mendoza quick attack.
Now holding a 2-0 set advantage, the job was far from done for the Tamaraws, as they saw UE trim their comfortable five-point lead, 22-17, in the third frame down to one, 22-21.
With the Red Warriors breathing down their necks, FEU was more determined to close it out, with Mikko Espartero rifling a crosscourt hit, even as Red Warrior Cjay Nabora stumbled to a costly attack error to end the match.
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Lirick Mendoza led the Tamaraws with 16 points on 11 attacks, four blocks and one ace, Saavedra registered nine attacks and two blocks for 11 points, complemented by seven digs, while Ndongala contributed 10 points, highlighted by three denials.
Ariel Cacao orchestrated the offense with 23 excellent sets.
Meanwhile, UE’s struggles continued, suffering its 23rd consecutive loss since Season 86.
Roca led the Red Warriors with 11 points on nine attacks, while Aceron, who scored 26 points against the Fighting Maroons the last time out, was limited to nine points on eight attacks and one block, along with 11 excellent receptions.
UE will look to break through against the Falcons in the 9 a.m. curtain raiser Saturday, to be followed by the FEU-NU duel at 11 a.m.