SMASH. Far Eastern University's Andrei Delicana (right) tries to score against University of the Philippines during the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Saturday (April 20, 2024). The Tamaraws won, 25-17, 25-22, 25-22, to earn the first twice-to-beat incentive in the semifinal round. (UAAP photo)
MANILA – Far Eastern University secured the twice-to-beat semifinal edge after a 25-17, 25-22, 25-22 victory over University of the Philippines in the UAAP Season 86 men’s volleyball tournament at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Saturday.
The Tamaraws rolled to their eighth straight win to keep the top spot at 12-1.
Andrei Delicana scored 11 points, eight on attacks; Zhydryx Saavedra chipped in six spikes and two blocks; and Martin Bugaon had seven points, including two blocks, for FEU.
FEU will wrap up its elimination round campaign against defending champion National University at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on April 24.
“All who will enter the top four, we can see that their skills are high. What each of us needs to focus on is how we handle ourselves," FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo said in an interview after the 79-minute match.
“We are No. 1, that is a very difficult position. Apart from working on skills, we will really focus a lot on our mental capability," he added.
Louis Gamban led UP (1-12) with nine spikes and an ace followed by Daniel Nicolas, who had six attacks and three blocks.
Meanwhile, NU beat Adamson University, 25-19, 25-17, 25-16, to regain second place at 10-3.
De La Salle, sporting a 9-3 slate for third, will face archrival Ateneo de Manila University on Sunday at noontime, also at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
La Salle has a chance for the other Final Four bonus while Ateneo (6-6) and University of Santo Tomas (7-5) are fighting it out for the last slot.
A UST win over University of the East (1-11) in Sunday's 10 a.m. match will oust Ateneo.
Leo Aringo had 12 attacks and two blocks for the Bulldogs, who also got 13 attacks from Angelo Almendras.
Adamson (4-9) was paced by Ahmed Tahiluddin, who had eight spikes while John Anthony Yboa added six points.
The Soaring Falcons will meet the Ateneo Blue Eagles also on Wednesday. (PNA)
