By Leiniel A. Santos

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw JJ Javelona fired up with with 21 points against the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Spikers, 16-25, 25-21, 34-32, 20-25, 15-8, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament earlier today, March 23, Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. 

“Positive lang kami palagi sa laro and walang nagre-relax kaya nakuha namin ‘yung panalo (We were always positive in the game and no one is relaxed so we got the win),” Javelona said in post-game conference.

Both teams struggled due to service and attack errors, but DLSU’s Echo Adajar extracted the most out of it as he managed to set the pace of their offense.

FEU’s double-sub of Vincent Nadera and Benny Martinez in the latter part of the first frame was not enough to steal the set as La Salle continued to defend the net with five blocks, 16-25.

The second set started with an early 2-2 deadlock, but the green-and-gold squad managed to secure an edge with a 6-0 run.

However, the Green Archers also rallied to seize the momentum with their own 5-0 run in the latter part of the set.

Fortunately, the Tamaraws tied the match with one set apiece courtesy of Vincent Maglinao’s foot fault error and Martin Bugaoan’s middle attack.

Transitioning to the third set, both teams wrestled to gain momentum with alternate periods of dominance.

In spite of DLSU’s set point from Noel Kampton’s attack, Bugaoan attack forced a deadlock to extend the set, 24-24.

The Morayta-based squad successfully stole the set with Andrei Delicana’s huge hit and JM Ronquillo’s attack error.

Moving forward, Green Archers took up a notch in the fourth frame to force a fifth deciding set with a five-point lead, 20-25.

Luck was on FEU’s side as they commenced the final frame with an early six-point lead.

Dryx Saavedra’s 20 points and Delicana’s 13 markers helped the team win the match.

Coach Eddieson Orculo mentioned that crucial games will test the team’s character.

“Maganda kasi ‘yung laban na nobody’s game tapos makikita mo ‘yung character ng bawat isa kasi nate-test ‘yung character ng bawat isa don sa clutch time na pagkakataon (It's good because the match is nobody's game and then you can see everyone's character because everyone's character is tested in the clutch time opportunity),” he said.

The green-and-gold squad remains at the top of the standings with a 7-1 win-loss record and will try to clinch another victory against Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) on April 4 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

(Photo by Ralph Mari Castro/FEU Advocate)