By Agustin F. San Andres, Jr.

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws succumbed to Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles in two straight sets, 22-24, 16-21, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 men’s beach volleyball battle for third match at the Mall of Asia Beach Volleyball Sandcourt in Pasay City earlier today, November 29.

The Tamaraws started out strong as the Nadera-Talisayan tandem extended the first set with two deuces but failed to capitalize their powerful attacks and solid floor defense in the end.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Team Captain Vincent Nadera shared that they lack strategies as he recognized that it is vital in every game. 

“Siguro nagkulang kami sa kung paano namin ihahandle, paano namin sila babasahin ulit na ibang strategy naman ‘yung gamit kasi nabasa nila kami eh (I think we lacked at how we will handle, how we will read them in a different strategy because they read ours),” Nadera added.

During the second set, the Tamaraws did not maintain their momentum as the Blue Eagles continued to gun powerful spikes and solid blocks to notch the bronze medal.

As the Tamaraws ended their season campaign, Nadera reflected on the learnings that they acquired in the collegiate league.

“Syempre, marami kaming natutunan. Number one ‘yung pressure kasi magkaiba ‘yung pressure sa laro ng sa labas kumpara dito sa UAAP. Tsaka, mas ano pa doon is ‘yung pressure mo kapag nakapasok ka ng Final Four kasi ang mga top teams na ‘yung nakapasok sa Final Four (Of course, we learned a lot of things. Number one is the pressure because the pressure outside is different compared to the UAAP.  Also, there is a different pressure when you enter the Final Four because only the top teams enter the Final Four),” he said. 

Meanwhile, Tamaraw Head Coach Jeremiah Barrica highlighted that the team needs to become more mature which can be improved through the team's experience.

The Morayta-based squad improved their standing as they landed on fourth place from ranking sixth in the leaderboard last Season 84.

(Photo by Ralph Mari Castro/FEU Advocate)