Amet Samuel Bituin of Far Eastern University (left) prepares to return the ball during the game against Ateneo de Manila University in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Wednesday (April 9, 2025). He scored 17 points to lead the Tamaraws to a 25-21, 19-25, 25-23, 25-23 victory. (UAAP photo)
Far Eastern University clinched a crucial twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball Final Four after defeating Ateneo de Manila University in four sets, 25-21, 19-25, 25-23, 25-23, on Wednesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Amet Samuel Bituin led the Tamaraws with an impressive all-around performance, tallying 17 points off 16 attacks and an ace, while also contributing nine receptions. With the victory, FEU improved to 11-1, maintaining its grip on the top spot in the standings.
“Yesterday during practice, coach tried me out as a starter. I was a bit confused, but I just trusted the coaching staff and my teammates who supported me even when I was feeling down,” shared Bituin, a former standout from FEU-Diliman High School.
In the fourth set, FEU surged ahead with a 17-10 lead thanks to key plays from Dryx Saavedra, Congolese middle blocker Doula Ndongala, and an ace from Bituin. Ateneo mounted a late charge, closing the gap to 20-22 behind Jian Matthew Salarzon and MVP frontrunner Kennedy Batas, but the Tamaraws held firm and claimed the next three points—capped by a Bituin finish—to seal the win.
“This season is a whole different story from the last,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo. “We’ve moved past Season 86. There’s a new level of expectation for this team, and it starts with our mindset. We’re focused on what’s next.”
Lirick Mendoza added 12 points for FEU, highlighted by a season-high eight blocks. Saavedra chipped in 11 points on 10 attacks, while top rookie Mikko Espartero had 10 points and six receptions. Setter Ariel Cacao dished out 26 excellent sets, and rookie libero Vennie Ceballos recorded 23 receptions and six digs.
FEU is set to face Adamson University on April 12 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
On the other side, Amil Pacinio carried Ateneo with 21 points built on 18 attacks and three aces. Batas added 12 points and 16 receptions. However, the Blue Eagles now find themselves in danger of elimination with a 6-6 record.
National University sits in second place at 10-2, followed by De La Salle University and University of Santo Tomas, both at 7-4.