MANILA, Philippines — Mikko Espartero was an early revelation as he powered Far Eastern University to a vengeful 20-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-20 win over University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

With 12 of his family members from Antique cheering for him at the venue, an inspired Espartero proved his worth as a starter, hammering down a game-high 19 points on top of six digs and six receptions.

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“Sobrang laking tulong yung FEU community na laging sumusuporta. Binubuhos namin yung effort namin para sa kanila, lalo na sa mga pamilya namin na nanonood lalo na first game ko ngayon pumunta pa dito galing probinsya,” said Espartero, who drilled 16 kills, two blocks and an ace.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament first round

FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo and Mikko Espartero on beating UST. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/aynwoyO195

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) February 15, 2025

Espartero,  a seldom-used player last year, was eager to repay the trust of his coaches and teammates after getting his break during the Tamaraws’ title run in the V-League Collegiate Challenge.

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“Bago ako sumalang dito inisip ko talaga yung laging sinasabi ng coaches na minsan na tayo bibigyan ng oportunidad na maglaro sa pinakamalaking liga sa Pilipinas kaya lagi ko sini-seize ang moment na maglaro ka sa loob ng court at [ipakita] yung eagerness ng team na manalo.”

FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo also lauded their setter Benny Martinez, who had 17 excellent sets and allowed four Tamaraws to score in double figures with Dryx Saavedra and Jelord Talisayan scoring 13 points each and Congolese middle blocker Doula Ndongalla adding 12 points.

The Tamaraws came into the game with something to prove and they got what they wanted after getting back at the team that knocked them out of last year’s Final Four despite being the top seed.

READ: UST returns to UAAP men’s volleyball finals, eliminates FEU

“Yung match na ito, nung natalo kami nung Game 2 sa semis last season, agad-agad gusto namin maglaro ulit. Siguro ‘yun lang yung naging motivation para sa araw na ito, para sa araw na naglaro kami, motivation namin para makabawi. Although first game pa lang ng UAAP, gusto ko matuloy-tuloy yung sitwasyon namin ngayon,” said Orcullo.

UST suffered a double whammy with its two-time MVP Josh Ybañez going down with a right ankle injury in the fourth set after he landed on teammate Trevor Valera’s foot following a back-row attack attempt when UST was trailing 18-22 to FEU.

Ybañez, who played for Alas Pilipinas as libero, was rushed to the emergency room after the game.

Ybanez had 15 points and 13 excellent receptions before he was carried off the court. Trevor Valera was a bright spot for the Golden Spikers with 11 points off seven attacks and four blocks.