April 17, 2025

Benny Martinez, FEU out to bolster twice-to-beat chances in UAAP Season 87 rematch with Ateneo

Benny Martinez, FEU out to bolster twice-to-beat chances in UAAP Season 87 rematch with Ateneo
Top-ranked FEU attempts to notch their 11th win in UAAP Season 87 with the Ateneo Blue Eagles standing in their way. | Photo C: UAAP

Already assured of a Final Four spot, the FEU Tamaraws are eager to boost their twice-to-beat chances in taking on the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament, Wednesday, April 9, at the PhilSports Arena, Pasig City.

Game time is at 11:00 a.m.

FEU clinched a sixth straight playoff appearance after a hard-fought 25-19, 25-21, 20-25, 29-31 and 15-12 escape against the UP Fighting Maroons in their last outing. 

The Tamaraws overcame a 12-10 deficit in the final set en route to chalking up their 10th victory in 11 games. It also marked their 12th consecutive victory over the Fighting Maroons dating back to Season 79 in 2017.  

Dryx Saavedra unleashed a 29-point bomb as FEU rebounded from their five-set heartbreak over NU in their second round rematch last March 30.

Rookie Mikko Espartero supplied 16 markers, while Lirick Mendoza and middle blocker Doula Ndongala added 15 markers apiece.

Third-year setter Ariel Cacao tossed 25 excellent sets as rookie libero Vennie Ceballos turned up the jets on defende behind 29 excellent receptions and six excellent digs.

Against Ateneo anew, FEU aims to duplicate their 25-23, 32-30, 23-25, 25-15 round 1 victory last March 2. 

(With reports from Pao Ambat)

[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.]

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