By Angel Joyce C. Basa

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws’ 28-error performance cost them to lose with an eight-point deficit on the fifth set against the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles, 21-25, 23-25, 25-23, 27-25, 7-15, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 men’s volleyball tourney held earlier today, April 19, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

During the final set, the zero-to-nine run by Ateneo made it hard for the Morayta-based team to keep the momentum they picked up from the third set.

The Tamaraws were bested by the Eagles in close matchups during the first two sets of the game due to error plays.

However, FEU were able to claim the third set despite the eight-to-14 rally of AdMU after the 17-9 mark, 25-23.

A successful net touch challenge by the Morayta side in the fourth set extended the match to end in favor of FEU, 27-25.

In an online interview with FEU Advocate, the Tamaraw leading scorer Calado expressed his guilt for not showing enough maturity during the fifth set.

“Medyo kinapos talaga kami nung fifth set, and it's my fault because ‘di nakita ng mga bata ‘yung maturity ko sa loob ng court (We really lacked during the fifth set, and it's my fault because the younger ones did not see my maturity inside the court),” he stated.

FEU Head Coach Rei Diaz Jr. also shared his disbelief with today's game following the losing streak of the team in the same interview.

“Sayang ‘yung game, pero ganun talaga eh. Binigay naman natin ‘yung best natin kahit nga may mga sakit ‘yung ibang players, laban pa rin [kami] (The game was regretful, but it's really like that. We gave our best even though some players were sick, we still fought),” he said.

Two other Tamaraws pitched in double digits markers for the losing team with Reymond Sabanal’s 15 points and Dryx Saavedra’s 14 markers.

The Jelord Talisayan-captained team is still seeking to keep their final four hopes alive with an even 6-6 win-loss record and will try to bounce back against the second seed University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers on Sunday, April 23, at the same venue.

(Photo by Zedrich Xylak Madrid/FEU Advocate)