Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws utilized their superior blocking to edge the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles out, 25-20, 20-25, 18-25, 25-18, 15-12, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 men’s volleyball tourney earlier today, April 4, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Morayta-based squad led the Katipunan-based squad in blocks, 17-7.

In a post-game conference, head coach Eddieson Orcullo mentioned the role of their net defense in their wins.

"'Yun 'yung first defense na gagawin namin eh kaya dapat sa ibabaw, medyo malinis namin. Kung magkakaroon ng missed [reception] o kung ano mang magandang pasa gagawin nila, kailangan mabasa ng mismong blockers namin 'yon kung pa'no namin aatakihin (That's the first defense that we execute so at the top, we should be precise. If there would be a missed reception or whatever kind of good pass they do, our blockers should have a read on how we block those)," he said.

Entering the first frame, the Tamaraws faced the barrage of Blue Eagle Jian Salarzon who tallied six attacks.

The green-and-gold squad immediately imposed their net defense, getting four to Ateneo's zero to go up one set.

Unfortunately, their floor defense and efficiency began to falter in the next two frames, letting the Blue Eagles take momentum.

Despite their backs against the wall, cleaner play came from the Tamaraws in the fourth set, maximizing the 2-7 unforced error disparity.

Superior net defense helped the Morayta-based squad again to have a 5-2 block lead, forcing a fifth set.

With a seesaw affair early in the clincher, FEU's hitters JayJay Javelona, Andrei Delicana, and Martin Bugaoan pitched in one-by-one to pull away, preventing them from taking their second loss of the season.

Coach Orcullo also spoke about their continued success, inching them closer to a twice-to-beat advantage.

"Hindi kasi pwedeng kampante lang. Kung mainit kami ngayon, kailangan mas mainit pa sa mga susunod na araw. Malayo na, pero malayo pa (We can't just be complacent. If we're hot now, we should be even hotter in the next days. We've gone far, but there's still more to go)," he stated.

Player of the Game Delicana led the scoring load with 19 points, followed by Zhydryx Saavedra and Javelona both with 16 markers.

Middle blockers Bugaoan and Lirick Mendoza also showed out with 13 points and a game-high six blocks, respectively.

The green-and-gold squad will attempt to remain undefeated in the second round with their match against the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons on April 9, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

-Vince Matthew Jaramilla

(Photo by Ralph Mari Castro/FEU Advocate)