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FEU takes down UP, records 2-0 in UAAP men’s volleyball
Far Eastern University (FEU) continued its perfect run in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament, winning their second consecutive game.
The Tamaraws dominated the University of the Philippines (UP) with a straight-set victory, 25-21, 25-16, 25-18, during their Wednesday afternoon, February 19, match at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Despite a slow start in the first set, FEU quickly regained their momentum in the second, overpowering the Fighting Maroons, 25-16, and setting themselves up for a potential straight-set win.
Though UP made a strong push in the third set, staying within one point at 15-16 midway, the combined efforts of Amet Bituin, Mikko Espartero, Ariel Cacao, Dryx Saadvedra, and Lirick Mendoza were too much for the Fighting Maroons.
FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo hopes this level of performance will continue as they prepare for their next match against defending champions National University on Sunday, February 23, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
PHOTO COURTESY: UAAP MEDIA
“This is a good preparation for Sunday’s game against NU. The receiving and attacking we showed today were promising, and our service reception was solid, so hopefully, we’ll perform even better on Sunday,” said Orcullo, whose team improved to a 2-0 record.
Saadvedra spearheaded the Tamaraws’ offense with 13 points built from 12 kills from 26 attacks, and a block, while Espartero added 10 markers, with nine coming from attacks and one from a block.
“We’re always prepared and give our best during practice; no time is wasted. Everyone’s enjoying the game now, so we’re able to show our best,” said Saavedra, the Season 86 Best Opposite Spiker.
The victory was also due to a well-rounded effort from the team, with Mendoza scoring seven points and Cacao tallying seven markers, including seven assists.
Meanwhile, Nigerian spiker Olayemi Raheem paced the Fighting Maroons with his standout performance, posting 16 points from 16 attacks out of 36 attempts.
UP, which fell to 1-1, will look to recover on Sunday, February 23, when they face Ateneo de Manila University at the same venue in Pasay.
