UAAP: FEU completes first-round sweep; Ateneo returns to win column in men’s volleyball

Far Eastern University completed a first-round sweep after defeating the University of Santo Tomas, 28-30, 25-22, 25-17, 25-22, on Saturday in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Dryx Saavedra and Lirick Mendoza led the Tamaraws with 17 points apiece, while Mikko Espartero added 14 points and 24 receptions in FEU’s seventh straight win of the season. Setter Ariel Cacao, meanwhile, tallied 30 excellent sets as Amet Bituin and Charles Absin chipped in 12 and 10 points, respectively.

The win spoiled Josh Ybañez’s 21-point, eight-reception performance for UST as the Golden Spikers slipped to 5-2.

“Siguro kailangan pang magtrabaho nang maigi. ’Yung consistency, ‘yung pagtutok sa bawat isa para magkaroon kami — ‘yung nangyari nung last year nakalipas na ‘yun, ‘yung present sana magampanan namin ‘yung tungkulin namin na maging maayos pa sa ginagawa namin,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.

Earlier, Ateneo de Manila University snapped a two-game losing skid after sweeping the University of the East, 25-14, 25-17, 25-20.

Jian Salarzon finished with 15 points, six receptions, and three digs to lead the Blue Eagles, who improved to 3-4.

Raquim Aceron, meanwhile, posted 14 points and 14 receptions as the Red Warriors dropped to 1-6.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News