FEU Clinches Twice-to-Beat Advantage with Sweeping Win Over UP

Far Eastern University secured the first twice-to-beat incentive in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Final Four with a dominant 25-23, 25-18, 25-17 victory over the University of the Philippines on Sunday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Tamaraws improved their record to 11-1, earning a Final Four advantage for the third consecutive season.

“Hopefully, we can maintain this momentum until the end as we prepare for the semifinals. We just need to stay focused and avoid any setbacks,” said head coach Eddieson Orcullo, as FEU extended its winning streak to three matches.

The Tamaraws had a shaky start, falling behind 20-16 in the first set as the Fighting Maroons, led by Olayemi Raheem, Tommy Castrodes, and Angelo Lipata, gained control.

However, FEU regained its composure, with Charles Absin, Dryx Saavedra, Amet Bituin, and Mikko Espartero fueling a 9-3 run to steal the opening set, 25-23.

From that point on, the Tamaraws played with confidence, dominating the second and third sets to complete the sweep in just 74 minutes.

Orcullo utilized his full roster, with 12 of the 14 position players getting on the scoreboard. Setter Ariel Cacao orchestrated the offense beautifully, tallying 19 excellent sets and contributing four points.

Absin led FEU with 11 points, including six spikes and five blocks, while Saavedra added nine points. Espartero chipped in eight points and anchored the defense with 11 excellent receptions out of 14 attempts. Lirick Mendoza also contributed eight points.

FEU will conclude its elimination round campaign against Adamson University on Saturday at the same venue, before facing Ateneo de Manila University on April 22 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Meanwhile, UP, now at 3-9 and in sixth place, will face Adamson on Wednesday at the QPav before wrapping up its season against UST.

Raheem led the Fighting Maroons with 15 points, while Castrodes added nine points and six digs.

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