FEU Tamaraws during a UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball game against Ateneo Blue Eagles. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University sealed the first twice-to-beat bonus in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament while defending champion National University booked its 10th straight Final Four appearance on Wednesday at Philsports Arena.
Amet Bituin shone in his first start, while Lirick Mendoza hosted a block party to lead FEU past Ateneo, 25-21, 19-25, 25-23, 25-23, for their 11th win in 12 games.
Bituin led the Tamaraws with 17 points and nine excellent receptions, while Mendoza had a season-high eight blocks — the most after Obed Mukaba’s nine in Season 85 two years ago — and four attacks to finish with 12 points.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament second round
“Yesterday during practice, coach tried to have me start. Even though I was a bit confused, I just trusted the coaching staff and my teammates who supported me even when I was feeling down,” said Bituin.
Dryx Saavedra powered FEU with 11 points. Mikko Espartero had 10 points on top of six excellent receptions. Ariel Cacao paced their offense with 26 excellent sets, while rookie libero Vennie Ceballos made 23 excellent receptions and six digs.
“This season is different from the previous one. We just need to trust again. The moment from Season 86, we’ve already surpassed that. This season, there’s a different level of expectation from our team because of our mindset. We’ve moved forward from that, we’re onto the next,” FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo said.
LIVE: UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament – UE vs NU, Ateneo vs FEU
Ateneo fell on the brink of elimination with a 6-6 record after absorbing its third straight loss. Amil Pacinio led the Blue Eagles with 21 points off 18 attacks and three aces.
MVP candidate Kennedy Batas, the division’s top scorer with 222 points, was limited to 12 points on 8-of-29 attacking clip. Jian Salarzon had nine points.
NU advances to Final Four
NU Bulldogs during a UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball game against UE Red Warriors. –UAAP PHOTO
Meanwhile, NU moved a round closer to its ‘five-peat’ dream after sweeping the also-ran University of the East, 25-21, 25-17, 25-16, with their fourth straight win for a 10-2 record to become the second team to advance to the Final Four this season.
“I’m really thankful for our performance today. We dominated the game and controlled the tempo. Our blocking really made a difference today. We’ll just keep doing what we’ve been doing every day as we head into the Final Four,” said NU coach Dante Alinsunurin, who has been in the Final Four since Season 75.
“With the results of each game, the mindset of my players is coming back to life. It’s not just about skills, but also the condition of each player. I can see that they’re all where we want them to be.”
Buds Buddin led the Bulldogs’ 74-minute domination with 15 points, nine excellent receptions, and seven digs. Obed Mukaba unleashed seven blocks to finish with 14 points, as Leo Ordiales chipped in 12 points.
Setter Greg Ancheta tossed 23 excellent sets and an ace with Leo Aringo contributing eight points, 17 excellent receptions, and seven digs to move a win closer from capturing the last twice-to-beat bonus.
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UE stayed winless in 12 games with their 18th straight defeat dating back to last season. Isiah Roca and Raquim Aceron led the Red Warriors 10 points each.
