FEU routs UP for rousing debut in UAAP men's volley

MANILA, Philippines: Far Eastern University rode its momentum in the second set to complete its sweep of University of the Philippines, 25-23, 25-17, 25-15, for a winning debut in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament, Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Tamaraws rode a 13-2 start in the second frame that eventually translated to another dominant showing in the third to start the season with a victory.

FEU routs UP for rousing debut in UAAP men’s volley

“Ano lang siguro, laging seize the moment. ‘Yun ang lagi kong sinasabi sa players kasi tulad niyan natapos yung game sa UP, ‘di na namin maibabalik yun so kung hindi ka nag-enjoy sa game, sayang naman. ‘Yun lang naman siguro, seize the moment,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo after earning his first UAAP win.

Following a tight first-set victory, the Tamaraws went on a blistering 13-2 start in the second frame anchored by Zhydryx Saavedra, Lirick Mendoza, Jomel Coddila, and Jelord Talisayan, to zoom to a 2-0 advantage over the Fighting Maroons.

FEU continued its surge in the third, pulling away from a 17-13 advantage via an 8-2 finishing kick to end the game in just 71 minutes of play.

The Tamaraws feasted above the net and tallied a huge 45-26 advantage over the Fighting Maroons in the attacking department.

“Talagang pinaghandaan namin yung game. Yung first game, siguro maraming adjustments so nakukuha naman,” added Orcullo.

Saavedra posted a game-high 16 points on 15 attacks and one ace while Talisayan and Martin Bugaoan added 11 points each in the victory.

FEU (1-0) will return Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. to face off against La Salle (1-0) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

No player from the Fighting Maroons reached double digits in scoring with Louis Gamban scoring just seven points laced with five excellent digs. Jessie Rubin and Angelo Lagando had five markers each.

Meanwhile, UP (0-1) will take on Adamson University (0-1) on Saturday, also at 10:00 a.m. at the MOA Arena.