By Gio Carlo D. Castro

Despite error-plagued game, Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws survived and tamed the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Tiger Spikers in five grueling sets, 25-21, 24-26, 20-25, 25-22, 15-12, in University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season 82 men’s volleyball tourney, March 8 at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City.

Coming from a 1-2 set deficit, Jude Garcia’s dominance prevailed over UST as his crosscourt attack in fourth frame gave FEU its biggest lead, 16-10. Garcia’s backrow attack in the deciding frame then sent the team to a four-point advantage, 13-9.

The veteran led the charge with 27 points from his 21 attacks, three blocks and three aces. FEU skipper JP Bugaoan and rookie JJ Javelona scored 13 points apiece.

“Syempre hindi ko magagawa ‘yun kung wala ‘yung mga teammates ko. Para sa akin, kung puntos ko, puntos din ng mga teammates ko (Of course I won’t be able to do that if my teammates weren’t there. For me, if it’s my point, it’s also my teammates’ point),” said Garcia.

With 43 errors committed in their second game, FEU head coach Reynaldo Diaz Jr. expressed how he applauds UST’s skills and he ‘hopes’ for his players to look more with their improvements.

“I hope ma-realize nung players kung ano ‘yung mga weaknesses ‘tsaka mga lapses natin, although alam naman nila talaga ‘yan, kailangan lang mag-sink in (I hope the players can realize more of our weaknesses and lapses, although they already know that, it just need to be sunk in),” Diaz shared.

Tams now hold a 2-0 win-loss slate, while the Espanya-based squad remain at bottom with 0-2 win-loss card. FEU will next face the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons on Wednesday, March 11 at the same venue.

(See full album: UAAP 82 Men's Volleyball - FEU vs UST)

ADVISORY: As of March 10, 1:00 pm, the UAAP Board of Managing Directors has decided to extend the suspension of its scheduled games until Tuesday, March 17, amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the country. | via The UAAP