For the first time in over six years, Far Eastern University pulled off a win worthy a sweet note, perhaps another page, to its long list of achievements.
Playing a like team possessed, the Tamaraws demolished the defending champions National University Bulldogs, 27-25, 25-14, 25-23, and seized the solo lead
in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament, Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
After eking out a hard-fought win in the opening set, the Tamaraws coasted to an easy win in the second set before scuttling the Bulldogs’ determined challenge in the third to remain the only undefeated team in the league – thanks largely to Dryx Saavedra.
Saavadera Saavedra led the charge for FEU with 20 points on 17 attacks and three blocks with one dig,
FEU’s win snapped a a seven-game losing streak against the five-peat seeking Bulldogs that stretched back to their second-round defeat in Season 81 on April 28, 2019.
With the victory, the Tamaraws climbed to the top of the standings with a pristine 3-0 record, while NU dropped to a tie for second place with Ateneo de Manila University, both holding 2-1 slates.
Tied at 16-all in the third set, FEU unleashed a crucial 6-1 run, spearheaded by Saavedra and Congolese middle blocker Doula Ndongala, to seize a comfortable 22-17 advantage.
NU fought back, trimming the deficit to 24-23 after three consecutive attack errors from Amet Bituin and Saavedra. However, Saavedra quickly redeemed himself, delivering a clutch crosscourt hit to secure the one hour, 25-minute victory.
The Tamaraws received timely contributions off-the-bench from Bituin, who tallied 10 points on eight attacks, one block, and one ace with five excellent receptions and one excellent dig, while Ariel Cacao tossed 14 excellent sets and one point.
Buds Buddin paced the Bulldogs in the losing effort with 12 points on 10 attacks, one block, and one ace, while Leo Aringo tallied 10 points with one ace along with eight excellent receptions and two excellent digs.
