Photo: UAAP

By Nate Castillo

Far Eastern University preserved its unbeaten record with an easy suppression of Adamson University, 25-14, 25-21, 25-21, for a fourth straight win in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

It took the league-leading Tamaraws just an hour and 22 minutes to dispose of the Falcons and tighten their grip on the solo lead.  

Four FEU players reached double-digit scoring as they sent Adamson to a third straight loss for a 1-3 mark.

Amet Bituin posted 13 points and Lirick Mendoza added 12 markers on seven kill blocks and five kills for the Tamaraws. Dryzx Saavedra and Doula Ndongala had 12 and 11 markers, respectively.    

Photo: UAAP

“This is a long tournament but we will not stop until we reach out goal,” FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo said.

Richard Besorio scored eight points and Jims Ducusin got seven for Adamson.

Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University survived an upset scare from De La Salle University in a 25-22, 25-18, 20-25, 20-25, 15-13, thrilling marathon battle.

Photo: UAAP

With morale dipping after surrendering the third and fourth sets, the Blue Eagles rediscovered their fire just in time to improve their record to 2-2 and keep the Green Spikers winless in four outings.

Rodge Alejos and Kennedy Batas spearheaded Ateneo’s 5-0 start in the fifth set.

La Salle fought back behind Glen Ventura, Issa Ousseini, and NJ Bangit to knot it at 10.

But Amil Pacinio, Batas, and Alejos had the final say, aided by errors from the Green Spikers — most notably a missed easy over by Ousseini — sealing the Blue Eagles’ victory in two hours and 28 minutes.

Photo: UAAP

Pacinio led Ateneo with 18 points and 13 excellent digs, while reigning league Most Valuable Player Batas added 16 points on 12 attacks, two blocks, and two aces.

Jian Salarzon contributed 17 points and 21 excellent receptions, and Alejos delivered 12 points on seven blocks and five spikes, including five crucial points in the fifth set.

Ventura got 18 points, Eugene Gloria added 15, and Chris Hernandez contributed 14 for La Salle.