UE Red Warriors. UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—JM Andaya unleashed 17 points including the match-winning ace to end University of the East’s woes at the expense of Far Eastern University, 19-25, 25-18, 23-25, 25-20, 15-10, in the UAAP Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Andaya showed nerves of steel for the Red Warriors, nailing the game-winning ace in the fifth set that ended their two-hour and 29-minute duel against the Tamaraws, who suffered their second straight loss after losing to La Salle in five sets last Wednesday.
Andaya took matters into his own hands as he delivered 14 attacks, two aces, and a block as the Red Warriors snapped a six-game skid to improve to a 3-7 record before the Holy Week break.
“I dreamed of becoming the player of the game. I finally realized that dream,” said Andaya in Filipino. “I just told my teammates to hang tight even if we’re down earlier. We just needed to hang tight because we won’t lose until our opponents reach the score of 25.”
Besides Andaya, Giles Torres also stepped up for UE with 14 points including four blocks. John Paul Mangahis chipped in 13 points and 12 excellent receptions, while Ken Culabat also added 13 markers on top of 19 receptions.
Lloyd Josafat, who got called up for the Philippine men’s volleyball team in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in May, added seven markers including three blocks as they completed a fightback from a 1-2 match deficit.
“We worked hard for this. We waited for this win. It was worth it after consecutive frustrating losses. This a good morale booster for us,” said UE coach Jerome Guhit, who is also the national team manager before he leaves for Japan with Josafat on April 9.
FEU slid to a 6-4 record despite Mark Calado’s 23-point effort as it gave up 39 errors in the match.
Calado scattered 19 attacks, three blocks, and an ace. Dryx Saavedra had 14 points, while Martin Bugaoan added 11 including three blocks.