By Aimerose C. Atienza

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws made a huge comeback after suffering from a four-game losing streak as they clinch a five-set victory against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Spikers, 25-21, 22-25, 21-25, 25-21, 15-10, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 men’s volleyball tourney held at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City earlier today, April 23.

The Morayta-based squad had a slow offensive start, but the nine errors made by UST in the first set gave the Tams an early 1-0 set lead.

Both teams were in a tight match during the second and third sets, while the Golden Spikers continued to pull away with their limited errors and strong floor defense to snatch a 1-2 set lead against the Tamaraws after three sets.

During the fourth set, FEU made another late run and ended the frame with top scorer Mark Calado’s single block against UST’s Josh Ybañez, 25-21.

The Jelord Talisayan-led team kept their momentum until the final set as they managed to create close leads to clinch the win and rise to a 7-6 win-loss record.

In the post-game interview, FEU Head Coach Rei Diaz Jr. hoped that the team could bring more hard work in their final elimination match against Adamson University (AdU).

“Tiyaga pa. ‘Yung panalo, magandang sign para sa team, magandang pantaas ng morale. I hope mabitbit namin sa next game (Work harder. The win, it is a good sign for the team, a good boost for the morale. I hope we can bring it in our next game),” he said.

Player of the game Calado tallied 21 markers from 19 attacks, one block and one service ace, while top rookie Dryx Saavedra chipped in 16 points. 

The green-and-gold squad keeps their Final Four hopes alive and will try to get their last elimination win against the AdU Soaring Falcons on April 30 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

(Photo by Zedrich Xylak Madrid/FEU Advocate)