FAR Eastern University hopes to complete a reversal against twice-to-beat National University in the semifinal decider of the UAAP Season 79 men’s volleyball tournament at the Filoil Flying V Centre today.
After failing in their first two tries, the Tamaraws finally figured out how to beat the Bulldogs this season, hacking out a 22-25, 26-24, 28-26, 25-17 victory to stave off elimination last Sunday.
The winner of the FEU-NU tussle will take on undefeated Ateneo in the best-of-three championship series. (Official schedule will be announced later.)
“Ibibigay namin ang best namin,” said coach Rey Diaz, who is on his second season handling the Tamaraws.
Greg Dolor and Ronchette Villegas, who are on their final season with FEU, try to extend their collegiate careers as the duo will try to bring the Morayta-based spikers in the title round for the first time since the 2012-13 season.
The Tamaraws, who have won two straight do-or-die matches, hope that they will learn the lessons in Game 1, where they committed a lot of errors in the opening set.
“Kailangang sa umpisa muna, maging relaxed para makuha ang rhythm namin,” said Diaz, who also credited the efforts of his predecessors George Pascua, Joseph Santos and Kid Santos and even women’s volleyball coach Shaq delos Santos for helping FEU get back on track this season.
Bryan Bagunas, James Natividad and Madz Gampong will be the vital cogs for the Bulldogs if they want to meet the Blue Eagles for the third straight Finals.
NU has been in the title round in the last four seasons.
Game today:
(Filoil Flying V Centre)
2 p.m. – FEU vs NU (Men Semis)