UAAP: Balanced FEU dumps UP ahead of NU clash in men’s volleyball
FEU Tamaraws celebrate during a victory over UP Fighting Maroons in UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University made quick work of University of the Philippines, 25-21, 25-16, 25-18, to stay unbeaten in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament on Wednesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Dryx Saavedra led the balanced attack of the Tamaraws with 13 points, hitting 12 of his 25 attack attempts and an ace to tie four-time defending champion National University at 2-0 before their marquee match-up on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Facing their biggest test over the weekend, Saavedra is ready to take on the challenge against the Bulldogs.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 volleyball first round
FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo, Benny Martinez, and Dryx Saavedra on their second straight win. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/70Tq4nqLRq
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) February 19, 2025
“Palagi naman kaming handa saka ginagawa namin yung best namin sa ensayo, walang nasasayang na oras. Iba na rin ngayon kasi sobrang nageenjoy ang lahat sa laro kaya naipapakita yung best,“ said Saavedra, the Season 86 Best Opposite Spiker and MVP of V-League Collegiate Challenge.
Mikko Espartero, who led FEU to a four-set win over the University of Santo Tomas on Sunday, sustained his fine play with 10 points off a 9-of-15 attacking clip. Lirick Mendoza added seven points, while setter Ariel Cacao came off the bench with seven excellent sets and three points.
READ: UAAP Season 87 volleyball: storylines and games to watch out for
“Magandang preparation ito for Sunday’s game against NU. Yung pinakitang receiving at attacking medyo nakikita natin na maganda yung pinagmumulan, pati yung service receive maganda rin kaya siguro mas magiging maganda yung game sa Sunday,” said FEUcoach Eddieson Orcullo.
UP dropped to a 1-1 record with Nigerian spiker Olayemi Raheem being the lone bright spot with 16 points.
The Fighting Maroons seek to rebound against the Ateneo Blue Eagles also on Sunday.
