Far Eastern University is quietly shaping itself into the early standard of the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament, blending patience, preparation, and timely execution to stay unbeaten after three matches.
On Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena, the Tamaraws turned back a spirited challenge from National University, recovering from a slow start to score a 22-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-20 victory that carried more meaning than a typical elimination-round win.
The result was as much about growth as it was about the standings. After falling to the Bulldogs in last season’s championship series, FEU showed a steadier, more mature response this time, refusing to be rattled by NU’s opening-set surge and fourth-set resistance. Instead of forcing the issue, the Tamaraws leaned on disciplined serving targets and a balanced attack that gradually tilted the match in their favor.
Lirick Mendoza led the way with 17 points built on a complete all-around showing, while Amet Bituin supplied 16 points and solid floor defense. Dryx Saavedra and Doula Ndongala provided consistent scoring support, keeping NU’s blockers guessing as FEU tightened its grip on the match. Setter Ariel Cacao steered the offense with composure, repeatedly finding seams as the Bulldogs’ momentum faded.
For head coach Eddieson Orcullo, the win reflected the Tamaraws’ attention to detail rather than any emotional edge. He pointed to matchup-specific preparation, serving strategies, and trust in execution as the foundation of FEU’s clean start, a sign that the Morayta-based squad is building something sustainable rather than peaking early.
The loss dropped NU to 2-1 despite a strong 21-point outing from Buds Buddin, with Leo Ordiales and Jade Disquitado also reaching double figures. The Bulldogs showed flashes of their championship pedigree but struggled to maintain control once FEU settled into rhythm.
Earlier in the day, another storyline unfolded that carried far more emotional weight. The University of the East finally ended a 23-game losing streak, surviving Adamson University in a dramatic five-set escape, 25-22, 20-25, 25-23, 30-32, 15-12. For a program that had not celebrated a win since March 2024, the moment felt less like a single victory and more like a release.
Raquim Aceron powered UE with 24 attack points and relentless effort in reception, while Carl Nabora and Marl Lee Budias added timely scoring to keep the Red Warriors afloat through momentum swings and a punishing fourth-set loss. When the deciding set arrived, UE showed uncommon composure, closing the door before another opportunity could slip away.
Adamson, now also 1-2, leaned heavily on Jims Ducusin’s 24-point performance, with Richard Besorio and Ahmed Tahiluddin providing support, but the Falcons could not fully capitalize on their late fourth-set push.
As Season 88 unfolds, FEU’s flawless start suggests a team learning from its past rather than chasing it, while UE’s breakthrough win stands as a reminder that even the longest droughts eventually end. In a tournament defined by rhythm and resilience, both results may prove more significant than the standings alone.