UAAP: FEU nears men’s volleyball title, deals NU rare finals loss
FEU Tamaraws celebrate after beating NU Bulldogs in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
LIVE: UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Finals Game 1 – May 11, 2025
MANILA, Philippines — Among the 5,405 fans, a group of Far Eastern University supporters brought a green and gold banner with “Braver Today” written on it.
The Tamaraws didn’t disappoint, showing no fear against the five-peat-seeking National University Bulldogs to pull off a come-from-behind 22-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-22, 15-13 win in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Finals opener on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 volleyball FINALS
Despite falling to a 1-2 deficit with a 12-point loss in the third set, FEU never wavered, denying NU from pulling off a comeback in the fourth.
Rookie Amet Bituin showed steely nerves in his finals debut as he and Dryx Saavedra took matters into their own hands and gave their squad an crucial 11-9 lead in the deciding set.
FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo, Ariel Cacao, Dryx Saavedra, and Amet Bituin after winning Game 1. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/R0RowNp1mX
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) May 11, 2025
NU’s crucial errors including a service by Buds Buddin pushed FEU at match point, 14-12. Jade Disquitado kept NU in the game before Bituin nailed the game-winning attack to give the Tamaraws their first finals win in 13 years.
Saavedra led the way with 25 points built on 21 kills, three blocks, and an ace as FEU moved to the cusp of winning its 26th crown and ending a 13-year title drought.
“It was really heartwarming to see the crowd packed all the way up to the top. Even when the opponent was leading, the cheers every time we scored were intense,” said Saavedra in Filipino. “That gave us a huge boost and reminded us that we can’t let down the people supporting us.”
READ: UAAP men’s volleyball Finals preview: Talent-rich NU, FEU renew rivalry
Bituin delivered 16 points off 13 spikes and three blocks, while fellow rookie Mikko Espartero had 10 points and 26 excellent receptions.
“I just committed myself to the team today. I told myself I needed to convert every opportunity given to me into a point. That’s something we’ve really been focusing on these past few days—putting our whole heart into every play,” said Bituin, an FEU high school product.
Setter Ariel Cacao made 24 excellent sets, as libero Vennie Ceballos protected FEU’s floor with 20 receptions and 14 digs.
The Tamaraws go for a sweep in Game 2 on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Interestingly, the last time FEU celebrated a UAAP men’s volleyball championship was when they spoiled University of Santo Tomas’ five-peat bid.
“We’re hungry. That hunger really pushes you to prepare better and fight harder for what you want,” said FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo. “That’s what we talked about with the team and coaches. We said, “Let’s go for it, because we’re prepared for whatever happens.” We’re locked in on the finals.”
NU dropped a finals game for the first time since UAAP Season 79, seeing its eight-game winning streak get snapped by the school it swept in the Season 81 finals six years ago.
Leo Ordiales led the Bulldogs with 23 points. Disquitado had 17 points, 17 receptions, and eight digs, while Buddin continued to play through his right ankle sprain with 12 points.
