The FEU Tamaraws against the UP Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — Far Eastern University remained perfect in two games so far in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament.
The Tamaraws etched a sweep over the University of the Philippines, 25-21, 25-16, 21-18, during their Wednesday afternoon clash at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Dryx Saavedra led the Morayta-based squad with 13 points which was built from 12 attacks and a block, while Mikko Espartero followed with 10 markers, nine from attacks, and one from a block.
“Nung off-season kasi, naging motivation lahat ng pinagdaanan namin. Yung maturity yung natutunan namin sa mga kuya namin, at yung yung ina-apply namin ngayon,” said Saavedra after the game.
It was a balanced attack from the Morayta-based squad, as Lirick Mendoza (7 points) and Ariel Cacao (7 sets, 3 points) also contributed to their victory, and for FEU head coach Edison Orcullo, it is now a matter of his aces showing consistency as they move forward.
“Masarap marinig mula sa players na kahit sino sa kanila, pwedeng mag deliver,” he said following the match wherein they led right from the get-go. “Kung sino yung may pinaka-magandang gising [sila yung nagawa], so sana hindi lang talaga sila tumigil.”
The Tams’ attack points were their main advantage against the Fighting Maroons, as they dumped them, 44-30, and Orcullo hopes that this will be the same case when they face reigning champions National University on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
“Kailangan tibayan namin yung isa’t isa,” he said. “Kailangan di lang kami makuntento kung anong meron kami ngayon.”
On the other hand, UP, which fell to 1-1, was led by Olayemi Raheem’s 16 markers, all of which came from attack points.
The Fighting Maroons will look to bounce back on Sunday when they face Ateneo de Manila University at the same Pasay bayside venue.
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