MANILA — Far Eastern University (FEU) clinched a vital edge in the semifinals with a commanding 25-17, 25-22, 25-22 triumph over the University of the Philippines (UP) in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament held at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Saturday (20 April 2024).
Maintaining their dominance, the Tamaraws extended their winning streak to eight games, solidifying their hold on the top spot with a 12-1 record.
Andrei Delicana led the charge with 11 points, eight of which came from powerful attacks. Zhydryx Saavedra contributed six spikes and two blocks, while Martin Bugaon added seven points, including two crucial blocks, for FEU.
The Tamaraws will conclude their elimination round campaign against defending champions National University at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on April 24.
Reflecting on their performance, FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo emphasized the mental aspect, stating, “We are No. 1, which is a very challenging position. Aside from honing our skills, we will place a significant focus on our mental resilience.”
For UP, Louis Gamban led the charge with nine points and an ace, followed by Daniel Nicolas with six attacks and three blocks.
In another match, NU asserted their dominance by defeating Adamson University 25-19, 25-17, 25-16, reclaiming the second spot with a 10-3 record.
De La Salle, with a 9-3 slate, sits in third place and will square off against archrivals Ateneo de Manila University at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.
As the race for the remaining semifinal slots intensifies, Ateneo (6-6) and the University of Santo Tomas (7-5) are battling for the last position. A win by UST over University of the East (1-11) will eliminate Ateneo.
Leo Aringo led NU with 12 attacks and two blocks, supported by Angelo Almendras with 13 attacks.
Adamson, led by Ahmed Tahiluddin with eight spikes and John Anthony Yboa with six points, will face Ateneo in their upcoming match.
(el Amigo/MNM)
