By Angel Joyce C. Basa

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws started the second round with a three-set win over the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 25-21, 25-20, 25-21, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 men’s volleyball tourney held earlier today, March 25 at the Filoil EcoOil Center in San Juan City. 

The Tamaraws took charge from a slow start after being down by three points at the hands of the Fighting Maroons to end the first set with a 4-point advantage. 

Green-and-gold setter Benny Martinez stepped up as the best player of the game with 17 excellent sets and three points from two attacks and a lone ace for FEU.

UAAP leading scorer Mark Calado chipped in 12 big points for the team from 12 kills, while rookie Zhydryx Saavedra and middle blocker Martin Bugaoan added eight points and seven markers for the winning team, respectively.

During a post game interview, FEU Head Coach Rei Diaz Jr. talked about Martinez and the team's initiative to play by their on-going system.

“Ang maganda don, I think naiintindihan ni Benny what is our system, tapos ‘pag ka cinall mo ‘yung attention niya, bumabalik siya kaagad [sa sistema]. Maganda siyang sign, maganda siyang initiative pero sabi ko nga ay dapat mas maging creative pa siya, kailangan pa talaga nilang umalis sa comfort zones nila (What's good is I think Benny understands what our system is, so if you call him out, he will immediately go back [to the system]. It's a good sign, a good initiative but as I say, he should be more creative, they really need to get out of their comfort zones),” he stated.

The Morayta-based team are still lurking at the top three spot of the leaderboard with a 6-2 win-loss record and are looking to extend their winning streak against the De La Salle University Green Spikers on Wednesday, March 29 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

(Photo courtesy of The UAAP)