MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University Tamaraws secured a crucial twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament after sweeping the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons, 25-23, 25-18, 25-17, on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Despite trailing 16-20 in the opening set, FEU mounted a strong comeback behind Charles Absin, Dryx Saavedra, Amet Bituin, and Mikko Espartero, who fueled a decisive 9-3 run to seize control. The Tamaraws sustained their momentum in the next two sets to improve to an 11-1 record.
Head coach Eddieson Orcullo expressed hope that the team maintains its form heading into the Final Four, emphasizing the importance of consistency as they chase a third straight semifinals incentive.
Absin paced FEU with 11 points built on six attacks and five blocks. Saavedra added nine markers, while Espartero contributed eight points and delivered excellent reception. Lirick Mendoza also chipped in eight, with setter Ariel Cacao orchestrating the offense with 19 excellent sets.
UP dropped to a 3-9 slate, with Olayemi Raheem leading the team with 15 points.
Meanwhile, National University Bulldogs kept its strong run going after sweeping the University of the East Red Warriors, 25-16, 25-21, 25-15, to improve to 10-2 and secure at least a playoff for a twice-to-beat advantage.
Leo Ordiales led NU with 12 points, while Jade Disquitado and Obed Mukaba added 11 and 10 points, respectively. The Bulldogs are now just one win away from clinching a semis bonus.
Coach Dante Alinsunurin stressed the importance of sustaining their level of play in the remaining elimination games as they gear up for the playoffs.
NU will attempt to secure the twice-to-beat edge when it faces De La Salle Green Spikers next.
UE slipped to 2-10, with Roy Piojo scoring 15 points in the loss.
ia/xf
