UAAP: FEU sweeps NU for 3-0 start in men’s volleyball; UE snaps 23-game skid at Adamson’s expense

Far Eastern University outlasted National University, 22-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-20, to notch its third straight win in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The victory also served as redemption for the Tamaraws, who fell to the defending champion Bulldogs in last season’s finals.

FEU weathered NU’s fourth-set rally behind Jade Disquitado and Leo Ordiales, with Dryx Saavedra and Lirick Mendoza anchoring the offense for the Morayta-based squad.

“‘Yung game, talagang pinagpreparahan namin bawat isa doon sa matchup ng tao, sa kung sino dapat ang bigyan ng serving target, kung paano umatake ang bawat isa. Talagang pinagtrabahuhan, pinag-isipan tapos na-execute naman ng tama kaya maganda rin ‘yung result,” said head coach Eddieson Orcullo.

Mendoza finished with 17 points built on 13 attacks, three blocks, and an ace, while Amet Bituin added 16 points to go with eight receptions and three digs.

Saavedra chipped in 15 points, while Doula Ndongala contributed 14. Ariel Cacao orchestrated the offense with 25 excellent sets, while Vennie Ceballos tallied 15 digs and 13 receptions.

The win spoiled Buds Buddin’s 21-point effort for NU. Ordiales and Disquitado added 15 and 13 points, respectively, as the Bulldogs slipped to 2-1.

Earlier, the University of the East snapped a 23-game losing streak after outlasting Adamson University, 25-22, 20-25, 25-23, 30-32, 15-12.

UE last tasted victory on March 17, 2024, when it outlasted the University of the Philippines, 25-21, 19-25, 28-30, 27-25, 15-12.

Raquim Aceron fired 24 points, all on attacks, along with 21 receptions, while Carl Nabora and Marl Lee Budias chipped in 17 and 16 points, respectively, as the Red Warriors improved to 1-2.

Jims Ducusin scored 24 points for Adamson, while Richard Besorio and Ahmed Tahiluddin added 17 and 12, respectively, as the Falcons dropped to 1-2.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News