By MARK REY MONTEJO
Far Eastern University displayed great poise and survived Adamson’s third set rally, 25-23, 25-20, 31-29, for its sixth straight win in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Saturday, March 8.
After a brilliant show in the first two sets, the Tamaraws had to dig deeper into their bag tricks in order to ward off the Falcons’ determined comeback in the third se that saw both teams trade fiery shots and make unbelievable saves to the cheers of the small but highly-energized crowd.
FEU is now off to its best start in six years as it stayed on course to sweeping the first elimination round.
As in the past when things started to look ugly, Dryx Saavedra and Mikko Espartero would assert their might, delivering timely spikes that enabled them to erase a 21-17deficit in the third.
The Falcons, however, refused to roll over and die as Jude Aguilar led the team’s gallant stand.
But in the end, FEU’s time and tested chemistry prevailed.
“Yong team chemistry namin ‘yong nag-develop do’n kaya nakahabol, ibig sabihin ‘yong team talagang nagma-mature na,” FEU assistant coach Rene Dulay. “That’s why nakuha namin ‘yong third set.”
“Talagan ramdam ko na iisa lang kami ng iniisip eh… kaya nabuhayan kami,” Saavedra added.
Saavedra finished with 18 points built on 14 attacks and four blocks with two excellent digs while rookie Espartero posted 14 points with two excellent digs and eight excellent receptions.
Aguilar poured in 16 points – all attacks – with two excellent digs and two excellent receptions while Ahmed Tahiluddin listed 11 points in Adamson’s losing effort.
The Falcons slid to sixth with a 2-4 win-loss card.
Meanwhile, De La Salle University shrugged off a lethargic first set to beat the depleted University of the East squad, 26-24, 25-13, 25-23, for its second straight victory.
The Green Spikers were down 24-20 in the opening set but remained calm and collected as Noel Kampton and MJ Fortuna sparked the team’s comeback that left the Warriors perplexed.
Leading the Taft-based squad were Fortuna and Vince Maglinao with 13 and 11 points, respectively, as La Salle improved to 3-2 at fourth spot.
