FEU and Ateneo post big victories in UAAP Men’s Volleyball

Far Eastern University (FEU) ended a six-year drought against National University (NU) with a 27-25, 25-14, 25-23 victory on Sunday, February 23, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

This marked the Tamaraws’ first win over the Bulldogs since February 16, 2019, breaking a seven-game losing streak that began with a loss in the second round of Season 81 on April 28, 2019.

“Our work never stops. If you saw our training sessions, from the last game until now, we haven’t stopped practicing, and we haven’t rested. The dedication, hard work, and the strong family bond within the team, you can really see the results in the end,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.

FEU made a comeback from a 22-24 deficit in the first set, eventually taking the lead at 26-25 following a miscue by Leo Ordialaes and a game-clinching block by Doula Ndongala.

The Tamaraws dominated the second set and managed to hold off NU’s late rally in the third, where the Bulldogs trimmed the lead to 24-23. Dryx Saavedra sealed the win with the final point.

“Last night, we had a session where we talked about our character on the court. I also shared something there. Since this morning, I’ve been thinking that I need to live up to what I said—not just talk about it, but show and prove that I can do it,” said Saavedra, who had 20 points off 17 kills and three blocks.

Jelord Talisayan also played a key role, scoring 11 markers, including three aces, and contributing 14 excellent receptions. Rookie Amet Bituin added 10 points.

NU dropped to a 2-1 record, with Buds Buddin leading the team with 12 markers. Leo Aringo contributed 10 points and eight receptions.

Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University bounced back from a first-set loss to defeat the University of the Philippines (UP) with a 23-25, 25-18, 25-22, 25-19 win.

After trailing 21-23 in the opening set, Ateneo managed to tie it at 23-all. However, Amil Pacinio made a costly service error, and Dan Nicolas sealed the first set for UP with a block.

The Blue Eagles regrouped quickly, dominating the next three sets. 

Ken Batas and Jian Salarzon each finished with 17 points, leading Ateneo to a 2-1 record. Batas contributed 16 attacks and 18 excellent receptions, while Salarzon added 14 attacks, three blocks, and 10 excellent receptions.

Pacinio scored 15 markers, while Brian Castro and Jet Gopio also reached double digits with 12 and 11 points, respectively, behind Lorenzo Guitierrez’s 16 excellent sets and three markers. 

“We still have a lot to learn. Recovering was tough, and it was really heavy, but I’m thankful we came out with the win. I’m sure they were still feeling the loss from the last game. But as I said, they’re mature enough to handle those emotions,” said Ateneo coach Vince Mangulabnan. 

“These last three games have been great learning experiences. If we combine the systems from all three, it will be perfect for preparing for the FEU game.”

UP suffered its second consecutive loss, dropping to a 1-2 record. 

Angelo Lagando led the team with 14 points, seven excellent receptions, and six excellent digs. Nicolas added 11 points, including five attacks, five blocks, and an ace, while Olayemi Raheem, the team's leading scorer, was held to 11 markers on a 9-of-32 spiking performance.