FEU stays strong in UAAP volleyball, UE struggles to find a win

Far Eastern University (FEU) continued its impressive UAAP Season 87 volleyball campaign, securing victories in both the men’s and women’s tournaments against the University of the East (UE) on Wednesday, March 26, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

In the men’s division, the Tamaraws maintained their unbeaten record at 9-0 after overcoming a third-set stumble to defeat the Red Warriors, 25-19, 25-17, 23-25, 25-18.

Despite trailing 19-12 in the third frame, FEU rallied late before UE’s Isaiah Roca forced a fourth set. The Tamaraws, however, responded with a dominant finish, as Doula Ndongala and Dryz Saavedra powered an 8-2 closing run to seal the win.

“We should not stop despite our undefeated record; we need to focus more this second round,” said Ndongala, the Congolese middle blocker who led FEU with 14 points, including nine spikes, four blocks, and an ace.

Setter Ariel Cacao orchestrated the FEU’s offense with 21 excellent sets, while Saavedra and Lirick Mendoza added 13 markers each.

On the women’s side, the Lady Tamaraws cruised to a 25-20, 25-20, 25-23 sweep over UE, improving to 6-3 and securing solo second place in the standings—two games behind league leader National University (8-1).

“We expected UE to fight hard, and we had to adjust. We got the win, but there were still missed opportunities,” said head coach Tina Salak.  

The Lady Warriors kept the match close, especially in the third set, where they reached a 23-all tie before Gerzel Petallo and Chenie Tagaod sealed the win with back-to-back kills. 

Jazlyn Ellarina led all scorers with 17 points built on 12 attacks, three aces, and two blocks, while Petallo and Tagaod contributed 15 apiece.  

Both FEU squads now brace for their next challenge against NU on Sunday, March 30, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Meanwhile, UE, still winless at 0-9 in both divisions, face potential elimination as they prepare to take on University of the Philippines (UP).