Far Eastern University escaped University of Santo Tomas in four tight sets, 32-30, 27-29, 25-17, 25-20, to secure its first win in the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena in Manila on Wednesday afternoon.
This victory marked the Tamaraws’ first win against their Sampaloc neighbors since they lost a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four of the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament.
“Ginusto lang ng [mga] bata lumaban, mas gusto lang nila manalo ‘eh, ‘eh dapat magtuloy-tuloy tsaka lagi natin sinasabi sa kanila, lagi dapat tayo uhaw sa laro kaya kailangan makuha natin every match,” FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
An extended opening set was concluded with back-to-back hits from Mikko Espartero, allowing FEU to take the first set, 32-30.
The second set saw a turn of fortunes as another extended rally favored the Golden Spikers, capped by a backrow attack from Gboy de Vega and a tip from John Dedoroy, 29-27.
Down by five points early in the third set (3-8), FEU built a 14-3 run that ultimately gave them momentum and a 2-1 set advantage.
A Mikko Espartero block on Jay Rack de la Noche and a crosscourt hit from Dryx Saavedra completed the Tamaraws' four-set rout of the Golden Spikers, 25-20.
Benny Martinez steered the Tamaraws to their first V-League win with four points (all on aces) and 16 excellent sets, while Mikko Espartero contributed 16 markers.
Gboy de Vega led the Golden Spikers with 16 points, while Poy Colinares and de la Noche combined for 25 points in the loss.
FEU will next face Ateneo de Manila University on Sunday, August 4, while UST will look to secure its first win against reigning V-League champion De La Salle University.
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