MANILA, Philippines – In the face of a mighty dynasty, FEU stands proud as a worthy challenger to the throne.
The NU Bulldogs’ UAAP men’s volleyball five-peat title bid teeters on the brink of collapse as the top-seeded Tamaraws rallied to a five-set comeback win in the Season 87 finals Game 1, 22-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-22, 15-13, at the rocking Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, May 11.
In front of 5,405 fans at the Big Dome on a sweltering Mother’s Day afternoon, FEU ace spiker Dryx Saavedra powered down 25 points on 21 attacks, 3 blocks, and 1 ace as the Tamaraws clinched their first finals win since Season 74 in 2012 and dealt NU its first finals loss since Season 79 in 2017.
Amet Bituin was the shining star in the endgame, smashing the winning hit for a razor-thin fifth-set finish and tallied 16 points off 13 hits and 3 rejections to backstop Saavedra, as Ariel Cacao tossed 24 excellent sets, while Vennie Ceballos recorded 20 excellent receptions and 14 digs.
Knotted at 7-all in the nerve-wracking fifth frame, Bituin and Saavedra conspired to give FEU a crucial two-point cushion, 9-7, heading to the match’s homestretch.
NU closed within one, 11-10, off a Buds Buddin check hit, but head coach Dante Alinsunurin’s double subs Jeffe Gallego and Jan Abanilla only made a mess of their brief airtime with consecutive errors for the 13-10 FEU separation.
Not even the starters were spared from jitters as Buddin gifted match point, 14-12, off a long serve. Though Jade Disquitado salvaged an off-the-block score, 14-13, it only set the stage for Bituin’s match-winner as the massive FEU crowd celebrated the historic win with their valiant Tamaraw stars.
Leo Ordiales paced the loss with 23 points, while Disqutado scored 17 on 13 attacks and 4 blocks.
The winningest program in both UAAP men’s and women’s volleyball history, the Tamaraws are now within reach of their 26th men’s title, and can reclaim their spot on top after 13 years with a series sweep on Wednesday, May 14, at the Mall of Asia Arena, NU’s “home court.” – Rappler.com