UAAP men’s volleyball: FEU nears twice-to-beat, tops UE

FEU Tamaraws’ Dryx Saavedra.–UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University staved off also-ran University of the East, 25-17, 17-25, 28-26, 25-19, to move on the cusp of the twice-to-beat incentive in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament Final Four on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Dryx Saavedra led the collective effort of the Tamaraws with 16 points to overcome a second-set defeat and tighten their hold of the top spot with an 11-1 record — assured at least a playoff for one of the two twice-to-beat advantages.

Martin Bugaoan and Andrei Delicana chipped in 13 points each, providing a combined 10 of FEU’s 13 blocks. JJ Javelona added 11 points, while libero Bryce De Guzman protected the floor with 20 excellent receptions and five digs.

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 86 volleyball second round

“As expected, UE will continue to fight with pride. They fought for every single point. Kudos to UE,” said FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo in Filipino.

UE absorbed its 11th loss in 12 games with Steven Aligayon leading the gallant stand with 19 points, while middle blockers Angelo Reyes and Axel Defeo had 15 and 11 points, respectively.

Meanwhile, La Salle secured its second straight Final Four appearance after eliminating Adamson, 26-24, 25-17, 25-23, to tie idle National University with identical 9-3 records in second place.

READ: FEU Tamaraws close in on UAAP volleyball Final Four

JM Ronquillo powered the Green Spikers with 16 points, including two blocks, and four digs. Noel Kampton contributed 12 points and 13 excellent receptions, while Vince Maglinao added 11 points.

“This is what we prepared last season. And we’re happy [to reach the Final Four]. But I’m not yet convinced [with the team’s performance] We’ll try our best to finish our last two games strong,” said La Salle coach Jose Roque in Filipino. 

Adamson bombed out of contention with a 4-8 record as the University of Santo Tomas (7-5) and Ateneo (6-6) were the teams left to fight for the last semifinal ticket.

Jude Aguilar carried Adamson with nine points, while Marc Paulino had seven points and 12 receptions.