FEU extends men’s volleyball streak to six

c/o UAAP Media Team

UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Standings

FEU 6-0

UST 4-1

NU 3-1

DLSU 3-2

Ateneo 2-2

AdU 1-4

UP 1-4

UE 0-6

Games Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena

9 a.m. - UP vs NU (Men’s)

11 a.m. - UST vs Ateneo (Men’s)

1 p.m. - UP vs NU (Women’s)

3 p.m. - UST vs Ateneo (Women’s)

Far Eastern University grounded Adamson University in three tight sets, 25-23, 25-20, 31-29 for its sixth straight win in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, Saturday.

The Tamaraws fell behind by as much as seven in the third, 8-15, and the Soaring Falcons reached set point, 24-21.

Still, FEU persevered despite the odds, as rookie Luis Miguel, Dryx Saavedra, and Mikko Espartero drilled three straight points to force a deuce.

Jude Aguilar kept Adamson floating while Saavedra and Espartero did the same for FEU but an Aguilar attack error gave the Tamaraws the final match point that Doula Ndongala did not waste, blocking Ahmed Tahiluddin for the win in one hour and 39 minutes.

“Malayo talaga ‘yung hinabol namin, yung team chemistry ang nakita kong nadevelop namin ngayon kaya nakahabol kami, ibig sabihin ‘yung team nagmamature na,” said FEU assistant coach Rene Dulay as their team moved to 6-0, a win away from sweeping the first round.

("We really had to rally from behind, but I saw that our team chemistry has developed, which is why we were able to catch up. This means the team is maturing.")

The Tamaraws will aim for a first round sweep next Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum when they collide with the De La Salle Green Spikers.

Lefty opposite spiker Saavedra finished with 18 points on 14 attacks and four blocks, while Espartero backed him up with 14 points on 11 spikes and three blocks.

Jelord Talisayan and Lirick Mendoza also had eight points apiece in the win.

Aguilar produced 16 points as the Soaring Falcons dropped to 1-4 at joint-sixth with the UP Fighting Maroons.

Tahiluddin added 11 points while Leo Coguimbal chimed in seven points.

Adamson will return on Wednesday against defending champion National University, still at the MOA Arena.