FEU picks up back to back wins in volleyball opener

FEU's JP Bugaoan hits the ball over the UE blockers at the UAAP Season 82 opener on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena. Photo from UAAP

Far Eastern University started the UAAP season with back to back wins on the opening day of the volleyball tournament on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The men's team closed out the University of the East in three sets, 25-10, 25-22, 25-23, but the Tamaraws needed to play catch up late in the third frame.

After a deadlock at 21, UE made a rally and took the lead, 23-21. With their backs against the wall, rookie JJ Javelona scored four straight points to deliver the win for the Morayta-based squad.

“Magandang opportunity na malagay kami sa ganung sitwasyon para matuto kami,” FEU head coach Rey Diaz said about their performance in crunch time.

FEU coach Rey Diaz says they feel blessed about the win @gmanews_sports @gmanews pic.twitter.com/BYEpi2p43X

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) March 3, 2020

Later in the day, the women's team fashioned a similar sweep against the Lady Warriors, 25-9, 25-20, 25-17.

UE led early in the final set, 11-8, but FEU made a 5-0 run led by Lycha Ebon to take back control, 13-11. The Lady Warriors tried to stay close, but Gel Cayuna took over as the Lady went on an 8-1 run to seal the deal.

"Ang instructions ko sa kanila, umpisahan namin nang maganda at tapusin nang maganda kasi ito 'yung first game. Kumbaga, ito 'yung mag-gauge namin kung gaano katibay 'yung preparation na ginawa namin ," said head coach George Pascua.

Coach George Pascua, Gel Cayuna, and Lycha Ebon share their thoughts about the win @gmanews_sports @gmanews pic.twitter.com/sUnSC1QB25

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) March 3, 2020

FEU will face the teams of University of Santo Tomas on Sunday, while UE will play the University of the Philippines on Saturday. —MGP, GMA News