POWERFUL ATTACK. Martin Bugaon of Far Eastern University (No. 14) unleashes a powerful attack against Kenneth Batiancila of Emilio Aguinaldo College (No. 15) during the 2023 V-League Men's Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena in Manila on Sept. 13, 2023. The Tamaraws won, 25-21, 25-18, 25-21, to boost their semi final bid. (Photo courtesy of V-League)
MANILA – Far Eastern University outplayed Emilio Aguinaldo College, 25-21, 25-18, 25-21, to keep its semi final bid alive in the 2023 V-League Men's Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena in Manila on Wednesday.
With the score tied at 20-all in the third set, the Tamaraws unleashed a 5-1 run led by opposite hitter Zhydryx Saavedra and outside hitter Andrei Delicana to claim victory in one hour and 21 minutes.
Saavedra finished with 15 attacks and one service ace while middle blocker Martin Bugaon had nine kills and one service ace for FEU, which notched its second straight and third win in seven matches.
But the fate of the Tamaraws making it to the next round will depend on the results of the games of four other teams seeking to advance.
FEU is now in second place followed by Ateneo de Manila University (4-2), De La Salle University (3-2) and University of Perpetual Help DALTA (3-2).
"Siguro 'yung cohesion ng bawat isa, 'yung connection. Tignan mo, kahit sinong ipasok mo, kahit sinong starter mo, kahit sinong sub mo, nagco-connect eh. Kaya tingin ko 'yun 'yung magandang nangyari sa team ngayon (Maybe it's the cohesion of each other, the connection. As you can see, whoever you used, whoever is your starter and substitute, they connect each other. So, I think that's the good thing that happened to the team today)," head coach Edison Orcullo said after the match.
Outside hitters Marvin Williams Romero and Frelwin Taculog scored 12 points each for the Generals, which absorbed their sixth loss in seven outings.
Opposite hitter Bryan Jay Cabrera contributed 10 points, including two blocks, and middle blocker Kenneth Batiancila had two blocks and one service ace. (PNA)
