FEU Tamaraws in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University remained the only unbeaten team in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament after sweeping the winless University of the East, 25-22, 25-17, 25-15, Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
JJ Javelona shone in his first start for the team and unleashed a game-high 13 points built on 11 attacks and two blocks to help the Tamaraws earn an early 3-0 lead — their best start since 2018.
“I’m thankful to coach because he’s trusting me to play in different positions. And I can adjust always because I am ready [to contribute] to my team,” said Javelona in Filipino.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball first round
Martin Bugaoan remained consistent for FEU with 11 points. Dryx Saavedra and Andrei Delicana added eight and seven points, respectively. Setter Ariel Cacao tallied 15 excellent sets on top of five points.
“I’m happy with their performance. The team has been playing well,” said FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo. “I hope we can sustain it.”
UE is still winless in three games. JP Mangahis led the way with 10 points and 21 excellent receptions in the losing effort as the Red Warriors try to bounce back against Adamson (1-1) on Sunday next week.
La Salle hands UST its first loss
La Salle Green Spikers’ Noel Kampton UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament. –UAAP PHOTO
Meanwhile, La Salle pounced on University of Santo Tomas’ 40 errors to earn a 26-24, 23-25, 25-21, 25-15 victory and force a tie at 2-1 behind unbeaten FEU.
Noel Kampton powered the Green Spikers with 18 points and 14 excellent receptions, as JM Ronquillo and Vince Maglinao chipped in 16 points each with the latter protecting the floor with 20 excellent receptions and five digs.
La Salle playmaker Eco Adajar scattered the offensive wealth with 24 excellent sets.
READ: UST ‘on right track’ after rousing opener in UAAP volleyball
“UST is a strong team so we really focused on this game. Somehow, we got this good result through the ample time given to us to prepare,” said La Salle coach Jose Roque.
Reigning MVP Josh Ybañez poured in 20 points and 22 excellent receptions but it wasn’t enough to keep UST unbeaten. GBoy De Vega suffered an ankle injury midway through the second set but he wasn’t able to return after scoring eight points.
La Salle battles Ateneo (1-1) next Saturday, while UST has a week before facing FEU on Sunday after UE’s match against Adamson (1-1).