Led by team captain Jelord Talisayan and reigning UAAP Best Opposite Spiker Dryx Saavedra, who notched 15 and 14 points respectively, the Tamaraws secured the first playoff berth in the eight-team pre-season tournament organized by Sports Vision, boosting their record to 5-1.
The victory also propelled FEU to the top of the standings, overtaking De La Salle University (4-1), anchored on a three-game winning streak.
Saavedra’s offensive firepower was on full display, converting 11 of his 28 spike attempts. Talisayan, meanwhile, showcased his defensive tenacity, recording a game-high three blocks.
“Thankful kami kasi nakita namin kung hanggang saan yung kapasidad ng players natin sa dikdikan na game,” said FEU head coach Ed Orcullo. “Ang instruction lang, lumaro ka kung ano lang yung ineensayo mo everyday. Kung ano yung ineensayo mo everyday, dapat pagdating sa game, yun yung lumabas.”
Despite trailing by as many as six points in the fourth set (11-17), the Tams unleashed a 9-3 run to tie the match at 20. They maintained their momentum and outlasted the Knights in an intense extended frame.
A crosscourt hit by Amet Bituin, followed by a crucial net touch error by Letran’s John Arano, sealed the Tamaraws’ hard-fought victory, crushing the Knights’ playoff aspirations.
FEU will wrap up its elimination campaign against Emilio Aguinaldo College on Sept. 8 at 3 p.m., a match expected to further solidify their playoff positioning.
For Letran, John Bautista delivered an impressive 17 points, including 13 attacks, two blocks and two aces, while Andrew Abeto and Vince Himzon contributed with 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Despite their efforts, the Knights fell short and dropped to sixth place with a 2-4 record, with one game remaining. They will face the reigning UAAP champion National University Bulldogs on Sept. 11 at 10 a.m.
