Far Eastern University and Ateneo opened the UAAP Season 78 men’s volleyball tournament with straight-set wins over separate opponents Sunday at San Juan Arena.
The Tamaraws edged the University of the Philippines, 25-23, 26-24, 25,23, in a game where FEU got help from the Maroons’ themselves, who played erratic.
University of the Philippines gave away 31 free points due to errors.
In the second game, the Blue Eagles swooped down on University of Santo Tomas, 25-21, 25-18, 29-27 to start their title-retention bid.
Ateneo committed 38 errors but its 52 points off spikes compensated for it.
Reigning MVP Marck Espejo led the Blue Eagles with 17 points while Rex Intal and Ysay Marasigan each had 11 points.
No Golden Spiker finished in double-figure scoring with Arnold Bautista putting up measly eight points to pace UST
Jeric Gacutan had 13 points to lead FEU while Miguel Wendel also produced 13 for UP.