FEU routs UE to stay unbeaten in UAAP men's volley

MANILA, Philippines -- BENNY Martinez set the table for a well-balanced Far Eastern University (FEU) attack as they cruised past University of the East (UE), 25-16, 25-23, 25-19, to post its finest start in six years in the UAAP Season 87 men's volleyball tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. Martinez distributed the ball with precision, allowing multiple FEU attackers to shine as the Tamaraws improved to 5-0. The last time FEU opened a season with five straight wins was in Season 81 (2019), when the Morayta-based side completed a first-round sweep. "Actually, we just keep going. We don't stop. I think we've already overcome the struggles, especially with those who got sick," Tamaraws assistant coach Rene Dulay, who will be taking over postgame duties for the meantime as head coach Eddieson Orcullo is still recovering from an Achilles tear surgery. Mikko Espartero, Luis Miguel, Dryx Saavedra, and Congolese middle blocker Doula Ndongala spearheaded FEU's offensive onslaught, capitalizing on Martinez's steady playmaking to build a comfortable 18-13 lead in the third set. UE attempted to mount a comeback, cutting the deficit to 20-19 after an off-speed hit from RJ Aceron, an Axel Defeo block and a Charles Absin attack error. However, two consecutive miscues from Aceron and Steven Aligayon, followed by an ace from Amet Bituin and back-to-back blocks from Ariel Cacao, sealed the victory for FEU. Earlier, the Red Warriors also came close in the second set, rallying from 23-17 to 23-22 behind Aceron and Aligayon. But two costly service errors from both players handed the Tamaraws a 2-0 set advantage. It was a similar story in the opening frame, where FEU jumped to a commanding 19-7 lead, only to see UE trim it to 19-15. Still, Martinez kept the offense flowing, and the Tamaraws closed the set with a 6-1 run to take early control of the match. FEU displayed a balanced scoring attack as Espartero led the effort with eight points and six excellent digs, while middle blocker Lirick Mendoza also scored eight points built on five attacks and three blocks. Team captain Jelord Talisayan tallied seven points on six attacks and one block with eight excellent receptions, while Saavedra also contributed seven points on five attacks and two blocks with two excellent digs. Ndongala chipped in seven points with four blocks and three attacks. Martinez tossed 10 excellent sets and one point, while starting libero Vennie Caballos achieved 12 excellent receptions and three excellent digs. The Red Warriors remained winless and at the bottom of the standings with a 0-5 record, marking their 12th straight defeat dating back to the second round opener of Season 86. TMT