UAAP men’s volleyball: FEU overcomes health woes, Ateneo to stay perfect
FEU Tamaraws during a game against Ateneo Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball.–UAAP PHOTO
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 volleyball tournament first round
MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University played through health woes and overcame a game Ateneo side, 25-23, 32-30, 23-25, 25-15, in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Dryx Saavedra and Mikko Espertaro led the charge with 21 points apiece for the Tamaraws, who soldiered on to their fourth straight win in as many games despite most of their players coming off an illness.
“The team has been struggling these past few days. Some of the players got sick, but with God’s guidance and the support we’ve received, we showed that we really needed this game. We couldn’t afford to slack off because we didn’t want to waste our 3-0 standing,” said FEU deputy Rene Dulay in Filipino, speaking for head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
READ: UAAP men’s volleyball: FEU upsets NU to stay unscathed
FEU assistant coach Rene Dulay and Mikko Espartero talk about their win over Ateneo after most of their members were under the weather this week. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/9Gqxx2CsHH
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 2, 2025
“Coach Eddie is really passionate. He wants to be next to the players. Even during practice, he still goes, even though he can barely walk yet.”
Orcullo, who is still recovering after undergoing a left Achilles surgery, still called the shots for FEU. He was in crutches and was being wheeled every change court.
Congolese middle blocker Doula Ndongala tallied 10 points, highlighted by four blocks. Charles Absin had seven points to haunt his former team, while setter Benny Martinez had 17 excellent sets and fired three aces for four points.
Ateneo dropped to a 2-2 record after giving up 33 errors. Ken Batas carried the Blue Eagles with 22 points, 19 receptions, and four digs, while Jettlee Gopio and Brian Castro had 12 points each.
READ: UAAP: Balanced FEU dumps UP ahead of NU clash
Despite his recent left achilles surgery, FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo continues to show up and call the shots for the Tamaraws. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports
📸 The UAAP pic.twitter.com/2vsnyrFKoT
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 2, 2025
Meanwhile, La Salle recovered from a first-set loss before beating University of the Philippines, 23-25, 25-13, 26-24, 25-15.
Licking the wounds of their tough loss to the University of Santo Tomas sans two-time MVP Josh Ybañez last Wednesday, Noel Kampton, who was limited to six points, bounced back with 21 points off 17 attacks and four aces on top of 15 excellent receptions and seven digs.
Rui Ventura provided the spark from the bench with 14 points built on nine spikes, three blocks, and two aces, while JJ Rodriguez had eight points including three blocks.
“After the loss, we’re still figuring out what we can do to counter it. The team caught up, so hopefully, we can start fresh again,” said La Salle coach Jose Roque
The Green Spikers improved to a 2-2 record, sending the Fighting Maroons to their third straight loss in four games.
UP turned to Nigerian hitter Olayemi Raheem with 19 points, while Angelo Lagando had 11 points and five digs.
