FEU forges deciding game for men’s volley title
MANILA, Philippines – There was no meltdown this time as reigning champion Faar Eastern University foiled National University’s celebration 25-23, 17-25, 25-20, 25-23 Wednesday in Game 2 of their best-of-three Finals series in the UAAP Season 75 men’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Tamaraws, who blew a commanding two-set lead to lose 25-16, 25-18, 13-25, 17-25, 8-15 last Saturday made sure it won’t suffer the same fate.
“Natuto kami sa pagkatalo namin sa Game 1 na kapag nakuha na yung una dapat tapusin na (We’ve learned from that defeat in Game 1 and that if you got the early momentum you have to sustain it to the end),” said spiker Karl Ian dela Calzada, who starred with 18 points on 13 attacks, three blocks and two aces.
FEU was on pace to zoom past NU in the fourth set before the Bulldogs pulled even at 23 on a kill by Reyson Fuentes.
And it appeared FEU was on the verge of another collapse.
“Madami kaming errors in the fourth set kaya nakahabol yung NU (we committed many errors in the fourth set so NU was able to catch up),” said FEU head coach George Pascua.
Fortunately for the Tams, Alexis Faytaren came through as he provided his team’s final two points.
Faytaren, who finished with 16 points, unloaded a well-placed spike before denying Reyson Fuentes’ running spike to seal the game.
“Sabi ko sa kanila tiwala lang sa sarili, kailangan naming patibayin loob namin (I told them all we need is to muster confidence),” added dela Calzada.
“Game 3, binigyan kami ng chance, siyempre (Game 3 we were given a chance, of course) we’ll grab that chance. We’ll go all out,” said Pascua.
