Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Mark Calado chipped in another 27-point output to defeat the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Spikers, 25-21, 25-16, 21-25, 25-21, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 men’s volleyball tournament held earlier today, March 11, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Senior spiker Calado also delivered 23 attacks, three blocks, and a service ace to overtake University of Santo Tomas’ Josh Ybañez as the leading scorer of the tourney.

The Tamaraws set the tone early and went off to a hot start that the Green Archers couldn't contain with six of their first and second set points coming from off-the-block plays, including two from Calado on back-to-back plays.

In the post-game interview, Calado attributed the team’s joyful spirit as their driving force in securing the win.

"Naging okay naman po ngayon eh kasi napansin ko po sa kanila talaga na ang saya po nila ngayon eh, nag-eenjoy po talaga kami, kaya siguro din nakuha po [namin] ‘yung win (It was okay today because I noticed that they were really cheerful today, we were really enjoying, so maybe that's why we got the win)," he said.

During the third set, the Jelord Talisayan-captained team lost their step as they trailed by as much as seven points despite Talisayan picking up the pace with 4 markers.

FEU Head Coach Rei Diaz Jr. also mentioned during the post-game conference that the team adjusted to the composure they lost entering the fourth set.

"Composure. ‘Yun talaga ang nawala tapos ang galing ng La Salle, nag-adjust sila sa bilis. Good thing, nakaabot tayo ng kahit slowly (Composure. That's what we lost in the third set and La Salle was great, they adjusted to the pace. Good thing we were able to catch up slowly),” Diaz Jr. said.

The green-and-gold squad caught fire in the fourth set once again led by Calado and rookie Jomel Codilla who scored three markers in the frame to break DLSU's three-game winning streak.

FEU’s Martin Bugaoan scored 12 points on 12 attacks, while Herald Domingo logged nine markers on seven attacks and two blocks.

FEU stays firm in second place with a 4-1 win-loss record as they face the University of the East Red Warriors on Wednesday, March 15, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

-Andrei M. Barrantes

(Photo by Zedrich Xylak Madrid/FEU Advocate)