FEU Tamaraws’ Dryx Saavedra in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament. –UAAP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Dryx Saavedra led the Far Eastern University’s collective effort to bring back its winning ways with a 25-23, 25-20, 25-19 victory over Adamson in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Licking their wounds after their tough first loss to defending champion National University on Wednesday, Saavedra dropped 13 points built on nine kills, three blocks, and an ace as FEU reclaimed the solo lead with a 5-1 record.
Martin Bugaoan was also instrumental for the Tamaraws with 11 points. Andrei Delicana and Jayjay Javelona chipped in 10 points each, while setter Ariel Cacao dished out 16 excellent sets on top of three points and four digs.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball first round
“We cannot dwell on our loss to NU. We have to continue what we’re doing and recover 24 hours after losing,” said FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo in Filipino.
Adamson slid to a 2-3 record with Francis Casas single-handedly with 17 points on 17-of-29 attacks
Ateneo stops UST, Josh Ybanez
Ateneo Blue Eagles stop Josh Ybanez and UST Golden Spikers. –UAAP PHOTO
Meanwhile, Ateneo overcame Josh Ybañez’s 31-point explosion to stun the University of Santo Tomas in five sets, 15-25, 32-30, 20-25, 25-20, 17-15, to improve to a 3-2 record.
Jian Salarzon delivered the goods for the Blue Eagles with 22 points including the game-winning tip on top of 28 excellent receptions. Ken Batas chipped in 18 points and 12 digs. Amil Pacinio had 17 points and 15 receptions, while Jetlee Gopio also scored 17 points in his return from a left leg injury.
“Everyone’s ecstatic that we were able to pull a win today. We’re happy because everyone followed our game plan that’s why we were able to win,” said Ateneo coach Timmy Sto. Tomas.
Ybañez had 31 points but UST absorbed its third straight loss, sliding to 2-3. Popoy Colinares had 18 points, while Gboy de Vega and Sherwin Umandal dropped 16 and 10 points, respectively.