Far Eastern University Clinches First Final Four Spot, Outlasts UST in Thrilling UAAP Men's Volleyball Match

Far Eastern University (FEU) secured the first spot in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Final Four after a hard-fought 3-1 win over University of Santo Tomas (UST), 25-16, 34-36, 25-17, 25-18, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Sunday.

The Tamaraws bounced back in style after their first loss of the season to National University (NU) last week, improving their record to 9-1 and extending their lead at the top to one full game over NU at 8-2. This marks their seventh consecutive Final Four appearance, but their sights remain set on ending a 14-year title drought.

“Talagang pinaghandaan namin ‘yung moment na maglalaro kami sa bahay ng UST kasi iniexpect ko na mapupuno ‘yung arena ng mga taga UST. Salamat sa boys, maganda naman ang naging result,” said Tamaraws head coach Eddieson Orcullo after the match, which lasted for two hours and four minutes. The match included a marathon second set that lasted 45 minutes.

After dropping the second set in dramatic fashion—thanks to a Vryvin Catinsag service ace for UST—FEU quickly regained their composure. The third set was taken convincingly by the Tamaraws, 25-17, as they regained control of the match. In the fourth frame, they led by just two points at 17-15 before launching an 8-3 run, thanks to key contributions from Amet Bituin, Miko Espartero, Dryx Saavedra, and Ariel Cacao, to seal the win and secure their Final Four spot.

Ariel Cacao orchestrated the offense, finishing with 24 excellent sets and three points. Dryx Saavedra led the way in scoring with 21 points, including 17 spikes, two blocks, and two aces. Amet Bituin added 15 points, Miko Espartero contributed 13, and Lirick Mendoza chipped in with nine. Doula Ndongala and Charles Absin also added seven points each.

FEU’s next challenge comes on April 8 against a resurgent De La Salle University at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Meanwhile, UST—now at 6-4, in third place—was led by Josh Ybañez, who tallied 21 points and eight receptions in the loss. Despite his strong performance, the Golden Spikers have now lost three of their last four matches, trailing NU by two games in the race for the twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four. Joncriz Ayco added 15 points in the defeat.

The Golden Spikers will look to bounce back on Easter Sunday against University of the East at home.