FEU sets sights on V-League glory

Far Eastern University (FEU) has proven once again why they're a force to be reckoned with in men's volleyball. 

Coming off a strong bronze-medal finish in the last UAAP men's volleyball tournament, the Tamaraws have carried their momentum into the V-League Men's Collegiate Challenge. 

Despite a recent setback—a heartbreaking reverse-sweep loss to the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA—the team has bounced back with a vengeance, securing a sweep against reigning UAAP champions National University (NU) and hard-fought four-set victories over Ateneo and University of Santo Tomas (UST). 

Their 3-1 record currently places them in second position, a testament to their resilience and skill.

However, head coach Ed Orcullo is not allowing his team to rest on their laurels. He insists that the Tamaraws must stay grounded and avoid complacency, especially after facing adversity against teams like the Altas. 

"Yung game kasi natin talagang kahit sino katapat mo, ttrabahuin mo. Yung boost na sinasabi natin, hindi kasi pwede mawala 'yon eh. Dapat kahit ano mangyari, kailangan trabahuin mo maigi," Orcullo emphasized after FEU’s impressive 25-18, 25-18, 25-23 sweep over the Bulldogs.

Orcullo’s approach to the game is all about embracing the moment and giving maximum effort every time they step onto the court. 

"Ang pinanghahawakan natin ay yung seizing the moment, kung ano yung araw ngayon, dapat trabahuin maigi kasi bukas ibang araw na naman. Kung ano yung ngayon, dapat maging present tayo," he added, underlining the importance of staying focused on the present and not looking too far ahead.

Despite their recent success, both the Tamaraws and Orcullo remain unsatisfied—they're aiming for the ultimate prize: a championship. 

With a critical matchup against reigning V-League champions De La Salle University Green Spikers looming, FEU knows they still have work to do. 

The match against NU exposed some of their vulnerabilities, particularly in the third set, where lapses in their play highlighted areas that need improvement.

"Tulad kanina yung atake, yung blocking, yung receiving, yung chance ball, yung mga unforced errors, paano nangyayari 'yon 'eh everyday ginagawa naman, pero pag dating sa match, nageerror ka pa rin. Ang dami pa kailangang ayusin pa," Orcullo pointed out, acknowledging that despite their daily drills, mistakes still creep into their game. 

Orcullo's focus is on ironing out these wrinkles before facing the Green Spikers, who will provide a stern test of their title credentials.

The mantra within the Tamaraws' camp is clear: relentless effort and unwavering focus. 

"Hindi natatapos [ang trabaho] sa ganda ng standings 'eh. Trabaho lang sa amin, kumbaga samin, pukpok lang ng pukpok hangga't sa marating yung pinakadulo ng tagumpay na gusto natin pareho-pareho," Orcullo concluded.