By Jean Malanum
MANILA – Far Eastern University registered its second straight win at the expense of De La Salle University in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.
Dryx Saavedra struck 20 attacks and foiled two attempts while Martin Bugaoan and Andrei Delicana chipped in 16 and 13 points, respectively, as the Tamaraws triumphed, 25-18, 20-25, 25-22, 25-17.
Saavedra joined hands with Martin Bugaoan, Jayjay Javelona and Lirick Mendoza in the fourth quarter where FEU posted a 17-10 advantage on the way to victory.
“Nung second set, ready kami na kukunin talaga ng La Salle yung set na yun eh, ang adjustment namin ay tinanggap lang yung error na nangyayari, ang kailangan lang matono ulit yung mind ng bawat isa, maibalik yung composure (In the second set, we were ready that La Salle would really take that set. Our adjustment was just accepting the error that was happening, we just needed to get everyone’s minds back in tune, to regain composure),” FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo said.
La Salle put up a gallant stand in the third set, closing in at 22-23 before Vince Maglinao made a service error. FEU wrapped up the set with Bugaoan’s powerful spike.
“Magandang simula po sa amin ito kasi dalawang panalo kaagad kaya mas magkakakumpyansa yung team, sana mas gumanda pa yung performance namin sa mga susunod na games (This is a good start for us because we won two straight away so the team will be more confident. I hope our performance will be better in the next games,” said Ariel Cacao, who made 24 excellent sets and five digs.
Maglinao finished with 20 points, 18 excellent receptions, and five digs for the Green Spikers, who absorbed their first loss in two outings.
JM Ronquillo added 19 points while Noel Kampton had 12 attacks, two aces to go with 21 receptions and four digs.
FEU will face University of the East at 9 a.m. while De La Salle will battle University of Santo Tomas at 11 a.m. on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. (PNA)
