By MARK REY MONTEJO
Far Eastern University shook off a sluggish start and dispatched La Salle University, 21-25, 25-17, 25-19, 25-22, to clinch the No. 1 seed in the semis of the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday, April 26.
For capping the elims with a four-game winning streak, the Tamaraws clinched their 13th overall win against one defeat to officially secure the top spot and a semifinal bonus, while the Green Spikers fell to fourth place with a 9-5 slate.
The five-peat seeking National University, which is currently at second, is the only team that has beaten FEU in the prelims.
La Salle, with its record, might face FEU in the semis, but if University of Santo Tomas yields to reigning champion NU in the Sunday’s clash, the Taft-based squad will move up to third and will meet NU.
“Masasabi kong deserved ng mga bata kung nasaan kami ngayon kasi uhaw talaga ‘yong mga bata,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
Dryx Saavedra once again stood at the forefront of FEU’s attack as he unloaded 25 points on 20 attacks, three blocks, and two aces. Mikko Espartero and Amet Bitiun contributed 15 and 11 points, respectively.
Noel Kampton led La Salle’s offense by posting 16 points,five excellent digs and 16 excellent receptions, while Rui Ventura uncorked 15.
Meanwhile, Ateneo displayed steely nerves and denied University of the East’s first-win with a 18-25, 22-25, 26-24, 25-22, 15-12 triumph to put a strong end to its run this season.
The Blue Eagles ended fifth with a 7-7 mark, but this could be another forgettable season for UE after losing all its 14 games just like Season 80
Amil Pacinio topped Ateneo’s scoring department with 18 points, while Ken Batas pumped in 17 points with six excellent digs and 19 excellent receptions. Jian Salarzon contributed 23 receptions on top of 16 points.
Roy Piojo and Raquim Acerom paced UE with 22 and 19 points, respectively.
