The Far Eastern University Tamaraws maintained their dominant form in the V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge, sweeping the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals, 25-19, 25-21, 25-22, at the Paco Arena in Manila on Sunday.
UAAP Best Opposite Spiker Dryx Saavedra led the way with 11 points, highlighted by 10 solid attacks and two digs, as FEU cruised to its fourth straight win after a setback against the Perpetual Help Altas. The Tamaraws concluded their elimination round with an impressive 6-1 record, securing the top seed heading into the playoffs.
Meanwhile, De La Salle University (4-1) was still in action against Perpetual Help (2-3) at presstime. La Salle’s final elimination match will be against National University (3-2) on Sept. 13.
Despite FEU’s strong showing, head coach Ed Orcullo expressed his concerns about the team's 29 errors in the 75-minute contest, emphasizing the need for a cleaner performance as the playoffs approach.
“Ang dami pa ring errors, pero yung mga simple, dapat hindi ganum yun. Pero ganon talaga, kaya ensayo na lang ulit,” said Orcullo.
Saavedra’s crosscourt hit, coupled with service faults from Generals’ team captain Kenneth Batiancila and Jan Abor, sealed the sweep for FEU.
The Tamaraws now await their semifinal opponent, with the four-team playoffs scheduled to begin on Sept. 18 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“Yung six skills sa volleyball, kailangan ayusin ng maigi kasi going to semis, pag semis kasi ibang galawan ‘yon ‘eh, kaya dapat malinis ang trabaho,” said Orcullo.
Abor led EAC with 15 points, as the Generals wrapped up their campaign with a 1-6 record.
