The FEU Tamaraws extended their unbeaten start to 6-0 in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament following a commanding win over the UP Fighting Maroons.
Far Eastern University defeated University of the Philippines in straight sets, 25-14, 25-22, 28-26, moving closer to a first-round sweep in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Tamaraws, now 6-0, will aim to complete the sweep on Saturday against traditional rival University of Santo Tomas (4-1) at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“‘Yung counter-attack namin kinapos lang ng konti kaya naging ganon yung scenario sa dulo pero okay kami,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo after his team committed 24 errors. “Ang dami pang dapat linisin sa errors namin sa tatlong set; posibleng makapagbigay kami ng isa pang set sa opponent.”
The Fighting Maroons, however, did not go down without a fight, as captain Olayemi Raheem tried to carry the team on his shoulders.
Raheem’s kills tied the third set at 23, 24, and 26, but the Tamaraws refused to extend the match.
Amet Bituin starred, finishing the match in one hour and 22 minutes, with back-to-back attacks giving FEU its sixth straight win in the tournament.
Bituin impressed anew with 17 points on 15-of-28 attacks, two blocks, seven excellent receptions, and four digs.
Doula Ndongala also shone, contributing eight of the Tamaraws’ 14 blocks and adding four spikes for a total of 12 points.
Raheem led the Fighting Maroons with 16 points, but he was the only player in double digits as UP dropped to 2-3, remaining in fourth place.
Tommy Castrodes added seven points, while Milven Francisco had six.
UP will look to bounce back against UST on Wednesday, also at the MOA Arena.