UAAP men’s volleyball: FEU returns to Finals after 6 years, ousts Ateneo

MANILA, Philippines—Far Eastern University returned to the championship round for the first time in six years after turning back Ateneo in the Final Four, 21-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-22, of the UAAP Season 81 men’s volleyball tournament Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Jude Garcia finished with 14 points for the Tamaraws, who last made the finals in Season 75 where they lost to National University.

Playing support for Garcia were John Paul Bugaoan and Richard Solis who finished with 13 and 12 points, respectively.

“We passed by everything now, we just have to handle every possible situation from hereon,” said FEU head coach Rey Diaz in Filipino. “They already have the maturity, they also have the heart, and that’s all we need.”

The Tamaraws held a four-point lead, 22-18, after Richard Solis’ kill but that margin was cut in half when FEU committed two straight errors, 22-20.

Garcia then gave FEU the 24-21 match point with a crosscourt kill right before Antony Koyman salvaged one more point for the Blue Eagles, 24-22.

Despite Ateneo’s persistence, Garcia then ended the affair with a booming kill that ended FEU’s finals curse.

Redi John Paler and Peter Quiel also had commendable performances for FEU with nine points apiece.

Koyfman ended his collegiate career with 21 points for Ateneo.