The last time UST and FEU met inside the taraflex, the Growling Tigers made history as the first four-seeded team to reach the UAAP men's volleyball championship round.
An early Final Four rematch awaits the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament opening gameday.
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Spikers begin their redemption tour, figuring in an interesting early clash with the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws on Saturday, February 15, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, Manila.
Match time is set at11:00 a.m.
Last season, the Golden Spikers overcame a twice-to-win disadvantage to stun no. 1 ranked FEU in the Final Four, becoming the first four-seeded squad to enter the championship round.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: UST becomes first no. 4 seed to advance to Finals after eliminating FEU in Final Four]
However, they got swept by eventual champions NU Bulldogs in the finals.
Before that, UST ended the elimination round with an 8-6 record, with two of their losses coming at the hands of FEU.
This time around, the Espana-based squad is determined to take it one step further this year led by two-time MVP Josh Ybañez, fresh from his stint with Alas Pilipinas Men in the offseason.
[ALSO READ: Josh Ybañez hopes to adopt mature mindset with UST after Alas Pilipinas stint]
The reigning 1st Best Outside Spiker is also joined by key returnees Dux Yambao and 2024 Collegiate V-League MVP Gboy De Vega to form a formidable core.
With a renewed sense of title aspirations, can UST put their foot to the gas pedal early and growl to its first win of the season?
(With reports from Pao Ambat)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]