THE FAR Eastern University Tamaraws eliminated the UST Tiger Spikers, 25-22, 27-25, 25-18, in their UAAP Season 79 stepladder semifinals clash at the Arena in San Juan Wednesday.
Down 10-16 in the third set, the Tams came back behind a 15-2 run, capped by Gregorio Dolor’s service ace, to advance.
“Nawawala sila sa focus sa mid to endgame kasi naso-sobrahan sa celebration o kaya nara-rattle dahil nag-score nang nag-score ‘yung kalaban,” UST coach Odjie Mamon said.
FEU was at set point, 24-22, in the second set before UST tied the game at 25-all. However, Dolor scored back-to-back hits to give the Tamaraws a commanding 2-0 set lead.
Despite the early exit, Mamon said the team achieved their goals this season.
“Ang promise ko lang was we’ll be ahead of La Salle and then we will improve our ranking from last season,” Mamon added. “Syempre wala namang gustong matalo kasi alam namin ‘yung potential nila.”
Team captain Arnold Bautista led UST with 12 points while Dolor spearheaded the Tamaraws with 13.
Although none of the current players will graduate, Mamon said changes in the roster will happen next season because “this is not the optimal composition of the team.”
UST will see action again in the Premier Volleyball League, Mamon added.
