FEU Overcomes Adamson's Challenge, Clinches Top Seed

Far Eastern University secured the top seed in the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Volleyball Tournament with a hard-fought 26-24, 22-25, 23-25, 25-9, 15-12 victory over Adamson University on Saturday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Tamaraws extended their winning streak to four games, improving to 12-1, and are now poised for a potential Final Four preview against Ateneo, with one match left in the elimination round on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Although National University can still tie them for the top spot, FEU has already locked in the No. 1 seed due to their four-set victory over NU in the first round, while the Bulldogs’ second-round win came in five sets.

“This five-set match is important because it helps us see where we need to improve. There are still a lot of adjustments to be made, and we’re recognizing areas where we can get better,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.

In order to secure their position heading into the Final Four, where they are likely to face the fourth-ranked Blue Eagles, the Tamaraws had to weather a tough challenge from the Adamson Soaring Falcons.

Adamson gained control in the second and third sets with precise execution during crucial moments, but FEU dominated the fourth set 25-9, which lasted only 18 minutes, forcing a deciding fifth set.

The Tamaraws raced to an 11-6 lead in the final frame, but Adamson, led by Zyro Ornos, fought back with a 4-0 run to cut the deficit to just one point at 10-11.

However, back-to-back errors by Richard Besorio and Ahmed Tahiluddin slowed Adamson’s momentum, and Mikko Espartero sealed the win for FEU, ending the match after two hours and 10 minutes.

Espartero was the star for FEU, scoring 22 points and adding 19 excellent receptions. Dryx Saavedra contributed 17 points, including 13 attacks, three blocks, and one ace.

Ariel Cacao set up the offense with 33 excellent sets, while Lirick Mendoza and Amet Bituin finished with 15 and 10 points, respectively.

Besorio led Adamson with 17 points and 16 excellent receptions, while Ornos and Tahiluddin chipped in 12 points each.

With a 3-11 record, Adamson currently sits in eighth place, with the University of the Philippines (3-10) still having one game left. Despite their struggles, Adamson has shown improvement compared to last year, when they only managed two wins.