Dryx Saavedra of Far Eastern University (right) prepares to hit the ball during the game against University of the East in the UAAP Season 88 volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday (March 18, 2026). The Tamaraws won, 19-25, 25-19, 26-24, 25-11. (UAAP photo)
Far Eastern University shook off a sluggish opening set and found its rhythm just in time, rallying past University of the East, 19-25, 25-19, 26-24, 25-11, on Wednesday in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
After dropping the first frame, the Tamaraws responded with composure and control, taking command of the next three sets to preserve their spotless record through eight matches. FEU’s resilience was tested early, but once it settled in, the league leaders showed exactly why they remain the team to beat this season.
Amet Samuel Bituin and Dryx Saavedra led the Tamaraws with 15 points apiece. Bituin also anchored FEU’s floor defense with 11 excellent receptions, while Saavedra added four digs in another all-around effort.
Lirick Mendoza chipped in 12 points built on nine attacks, two blocks, and one ace, while Mikko Espartero contributed 10 points and nine receptions in the one-hour, 52-minute contest. Charles David Absin added nine points, including three blocks, as FEU gradually wore down the Red Warriors.
Setter Ariel Cacao steered the Tamaraws’ offense with 25 excellent sets and even delivered three points of his own, while sophomore libero Vennie Ceballos provided stability at the back with 18 receptions and 11 digs.
Despite the loss, UE put up a spirited stand, especially in the opening stretch. Raquim Aceron turned in a standout performance with 21 points, 14 receptions, and six excellent digs, while Roy Piojo backed him up with 15 points and 17 excellent receptions for the Red Warriors, who slipped to 1-7.
FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo said the Tamaraws were fully aware that UE would not go down without a fight.
“Not that we were surprised, but we expected UE to really compete. We know those seven teams, none of them will come to the UAAP and think they won’t compete, right?” said Orcullo.
“Everyone stepping on the hard court, hard game. Maybe that’s what I’m telling the team that the brain and the emotions, don’t see how the day is today. But the skills, you can overload, and you can repeat until you get the right process,” he added.
In the day’s other match, defending champion National University asserted its mastery over University of the Philippines, 25-19, 25-14, 25-19, to climb to 6-2 and secure solo second place.
Leo Ordiales and Buds Buddin scored 14 points each for the Bulldogs, while Jade Disquitado added 13 as NU kept pace behind league-leading FEU.
University of Santo Tomas holds third at 5-2, while Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University are tied at 3-4. Adamson University stands at 2-5, followed by UP at 2-6 and UE at 1-7.
All eyes now turn to Sunday’s marquee clash at the Big Dome, where unbeaten FEU and defending champion NU collide at 11 a.m. in a match that could reshape the title race.