Far Eastern University against University of Santo Tomas in UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball. UAAP Media.MANILA — Far Eastern University secured the first Final Four berth in UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball after outlasting at-home University of Santo Tomas, 25-16, 34-36, 25-17, 25-18, on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Tamaraws bounced back in style from their first loss of the season, improving to 9-1 and widening their lead atop the standings. They now hold a one-game cushion over second-running National University, which slipped to 8-2.
The victory also marked FEU’s seventh straight Final Four appearance, as the Morayta-based squad continues its bid to end a 14-year championship drought.
“’Yung game talagang pinaghandaan namin ‘yung moment na maglalaro kami sa bahay ng UST kasi ini-expect ko talaga na mapupuno ‘yung arena ng mga taga-UST. Salamat sa boys, maganda naman ang naging result,” said head coach Eddieson Orcullo after the two-hour, four-minute contest that featured a grueling 45-minute second set.
UST salvaged the extended second frame, 36-34, behind a crucial service ace from Vryvin Catinsag, but FEU quickly regrouped to dominate the third set, 25-17.
The Tamaraws then pulled away late in the fourth, turning a slim 17-15 edge into a comfortable finish behind an 8-3 blast anchored by Amet Bituin, Miko Espartero, Dryx Saavedra, and Ariel Cacao.
Cacao orchestrated the offense with 24 excellent sets and three points, while Dryx Saavedra paced the attack with 21 points built on 17 spikes, two blocks, and two aces. Amet Bituin added 15 markers, Miko Espartero chipped in 13, and Lirick Mendoza finished with nine. Doula Ndongala and Charles Absin also contributed seven points each.
FEU will next face a surging De La Salle University on April 8 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
On the other hand, Josh Ybañez led UST with 21 points and eight receptions, but the Golden Spikers dropped to 6-4 and remained in third place. Joncriz Ayco added 15 in the loss.
UST has now lost three of its last four matches and trails NU by two games in the race for a twice-to-beat incentive. The Golden Spikers will try to bounce back on Easter Sunday when they host the University of the East.