FEU Holds Off Ateneo's Rally, Secures Finals Spot

Amet Bituin stepped up when it mattered most as top-ranked Far Eastern University (FEU) withstood a thrilling five-set battle against fourth-seeded Ateneo de Manila University, 25-23, 20-25, 16-25, 25-17, 15-12, to earn a spot in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Finals at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.

With the Blue Eagles rallying from a 3-8 deficit in the fifth set to narrow the gap to 12-11, Bituin showed impressive composure. The 20-year-old outside hitter delivered three consecutive crosscourt attacks that helped the Tamaraws secure their second consecutive UAAP men’s volleyball finals appearance.

FEU will now await the winner of the ongoing match between second-seeded National University and third-seeded University of Santo Tomas.

“Looking back at the entire match, I think this is what we can expect in the semifinals, right? We always say that in the UAAP, winning isn’t easy. If you look at the adjustments made by both teams, I can truly say that Coach Vince Mangulabnan is a respected coach,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.

After a dominant 25-17 win in the fourth set, FEU carried the momentum into the decisive fifth set, racing to an early 8-3 lead. This was fueled by a net touch error from Ateneo’s Nigerian spiker Aimar Okeke and an off-the-block hit from Bituin.

Ateneo, however, refused to go down without a fight, mounting a 6-2 run, capped by back-to-back crosscourt hits from Okeke and a crucial block by Amil Pacinio on Bituin, cutting the deficit to just 12-11.

But FEU held firm, with Bituin coming through again, sealing the victory with three consecutive crosscourt spikes to complete the comeback after trailing 1-2 in sets.

Ateneo seemed poised to force a rubber match after dominating the second and third sets, but FEU’s poise in the clutch proved decisive in completing the reverse sweep.

“Earlier, in the final moments of the game, I was just praying in my mind, asking God for a little more strength to push through and overcome this game, so we could win,” said Bituin, who finished with 12 points, including 11 attacks and one block, along with 10 excellent receptions and five excellent digs in a two-hour, two-minute marathon.

“I also trusted my teammates and the coaches, following their instructions, and we executed as planned,” Bituin added.

Dryx Saavedra led FEU with 14 points and three excellent digs, while Lirick Mendoza added 13 points, including 10 attacks and three blocks. Mikko Espartero contributed 11 points, 15 excellent receptions, and three excellent digs.

Team captain Ariel Cacao orchestrated the offense with 26 excellent sets, while Vennie Ceballos anchored the defense with 21 excellent receptions and 14 excellent digs.

FEU’s only loss this season came at the hands of the Bulldogs in the second round, while they also swept the Golden Spikers in their elimination round matchups.

On the other hand, Ateneo, in its first Final Four appearance since a bronze-medal finish in Season 81, settled for fourth place. The Blue Eagles will move forward without Season 85 Best Libero Lance de Castro and middle blocker Brian Castro in Season 89.

Okeke led Ateneo with 24 points from 22 attacks and two blocks, along with six excellent receptions and five excellent digs. Ken Batas added 15 points on 11 attacks, two blocks, and two aces, plus 15 excellent receptions.

Jian Salarzon contributed 12 points and 19 excellent receptions, while Rodge Alejos posted nine points from six attacks and three blocks.

In their final game for Ateneo, Castro contributed seven points, while De Castro finished with 20 excellent receptions and six excellent digs.