With a total of 39 attacks, nine blocks, and five serves, Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws were able to cruise past the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers in straight sets, 25-21, 25-19, 25-20 in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season 81 men’s volleyball tournament last April 24 at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

Coming from a 10-day break, the Reynaldo Diaz Jr.-mentored squad capitalized on the opportunity to have a short rest, but eventually went back to training heading into this game.

As what head coach Diaz said, “Sinamantala natin ‘yung pagkakataon. Nagbigay ng two-day break tapos ensayo kasi talagang gusto natin makuha ‘yung championship [kaya] kailangan pagtrabahuhan (We took advantage of the opportunity. We had a two-day break to go back to training because we really want to have the championship that is why we really have to put a lot of work).”

With the twice-to-beat advantage now in their hands, the Morayta-based spikers see this as another blessing and a reminder for the team to continue to work hard in achieving their ultimate goal. It is also a lesson they learned from their experience last season.

“Another blessing siya tapos nasa sa’tin na lang ‘yun kung paano natin panghahawakan. Advantage nga siya pero kung ‘di ka mananalo, wala rin ‘yung advantage mo so kailangan trabahuhin natin ‘yung semis. Tapos pagdating ng semis, dapat must win tayo (It’s another blessing and it’s up to us on how we will take care of it it. Advantage, but if you’ll not win, it’s useless, so we need to work on semis. Then in the semifinals, we need to be in must win situation),” Diaz expressed.

RJ Paler topped the pack in scoring duties with 12 points followed by Jude Garcia and Peter Quiel with 10 markers each. JP Bugaoan and Richard Solis combined for 12 points, while Owen Suarez tallied 20 excellent sets along with four points.

With this win, FEU now holds an 11-2 win-loss record and is currently in the second seed. The Tamaraws will resume action on April 28 as they take on defending champions and league-leading National University (NU) Bulldogs at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

-Mark Steven V. Donque
(See full album here: UAAP 81 Men's Volleyball - FEU vs DLSU)