UAAP: FEU Tamaraws ease past Ateneo for 6-1 record

FEU Tamaraws’ Martin Bugaoan.–UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University leaned on the trio of Martin Bugaoan, Dryx Saavedra, and Lirick Mendoza to sweep Ateneo, 25-23, 25-22, 25-19, in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Bugaoan led the collective effort of the Tamaraws with 12 points, hitting 11 of his 19 attack attempts, to finish the first round at 6-1 tied with defending champion National University. The Bulldogs, who beat the Tamaraws in five sets last March 6, still hold the top spot due to superior points.

“Our record is overwhelming. But our wins came from our mindset of treating every game as a championship game. We make sure to play all out always,” said Bugaoan in Filipino.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball first round

Saavedra chipped in 11 points. Mendoza had 10 points, as Ariel Cacao orchestrated FEU’s offense with 20 excellent sets and scored six points built on a game-high five points.

“The one-week break was good for our team. We were able to correct our errors and pay attention to every detail even the small things,” said FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo in Filipino.

Ateneo ended the round with two consecutive losses, sliding to a 3-4 card tied with Adamson in fifth place.

Jian Salarzon led the Blue Eagles with 15 points and 16 receptions, while Amil Pacinio and Ken Batas had 11 points each.

Meanwhile, Axel Defeo and  Steve Aligayon dropped 21 points apiece to end University of the East’s seven-game skid with a come-from-behind 25-21, 19-25, 28-30, 27-25, 15-12 win over the hapless University of the Philippines.

Joshua Pozas and Angelo Reyes also stepped up for the Red Warriors with 15 points each, as setter Andre Bicar tossed 29 excellent sets to end the round with a 1-6 record.

“We’re happy because the players we’re able to realize that they can win games,” said UE assistant coach Jumbo Dimaculangan in Filipino, speaking for Jerome Guhit. “We’ll use this win in preparation for the second round so we have the positive momentum before the first round ended.”

UP had a winless first round as its skid was extended to 11 games dating back to the second round of Season 85 after Angelo Lagando’s 26-point effort went for naught. Louis Gamban had 19 points, 15 receptions, and 10 digs.