League-leading FEU puts its perfect start on the line as the Tamaraws go for a 6-0 record while five-time defending champion NU tries to stay within striking distance in UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball action Sunday, March 8.
The Bulldogs open the twin bill against the dangerous Ateneo Blue Eagles at 9:00 a.m., before the unbeaten Tamaraws take on the UP Fighting Maroons at 11:00 a.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Both matches will also stream live on the Pilipinas Live app and on the UAAP Varsity Channel.
So far, FEU has looked every bit the early powerhouse of the tournament.
The Tamaraws improved to 5-0 after overcoming a slow start to hack out a 23-25, 26-24, 25-15, 25-19 win against the Blue Eagles.
Team captain Ariel Cacao once again pulled the strings for FEU, orchestrating the offense with 30 excellent sets while also chipping in three points.
Mikko Espartero powered the attack with a stellar all-around outing of 21 points, 20 excellent receptions and three excellent digs, while Lirick Mendoza added 15 markers.
With momentum firmly on their side, the Morayta-based squad now faces a UP side eager to regain its footing.
The Fighting Maroons sit at 2-2 after absorbing a 28-26, 25-23, 25-20 loss to National U a week ago.
While the Tamaraws look to stretch its immaculate start, the Bulldogs are determined not to lose ground either.
National U, currently at 4-1, trail only unbeaten FEU in the team standings and is seeking a third straight victory in tackling Ateneo in their first meeting this season.
NU is coming off an impressive 25-20, 25-13, 25-20 sweep of the UE Red Warriors, with setter Greg Ancheta steering the offense with 16 excellent sets.
Ateneo (2-3), however, hopes to bounce back and pick up its second win in the last three games as it attempts to slow down the defending champions.
In women's division, The UP Fighting Maroons and the FEU Lady Tamaraws collide in a crucial UAAP Season 88 showdown on Sunday, March 8, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, with both teams eager to strengthen their early bids for a Final Four spot.
UP (3-1) heads into the matchup brimming with confidence after pulling off a stunning upset over the NU Lady Bulldogs in their previous outing.
The Fighting Maroons showcased grit and composure in that breakthrough victory, proving they can hang with the league’s elite.
Bienne Bansil played a key role in that triumph, delivering 10 points including clutch hits in crucial stretches.
The Maroons will once again look to Bansil for leadership and timely scoring as they attempt to sustain their momentum against another dangerous opponent.
But FEU (3-2) arrives with momentum of its own.
After a shaky start to the season, the Lady Tamaraws have found their rhythm and are currently riding their first win streak of the campaign.
heir most recent victory came at the expense of Ateneo, with Jaz Ellarina leading the charge with an 11-point performance.
Ellarina will try to build on that outing as FEU seeks to continue its climb in the standings and secure another statement win against a fellow contender.
With both squads trending upward, the encounter promises to be an intriguing battle between two teams looking to solidify their place in the upper half of the standings.
Earlier in the day, the NU Lady Bulldogs (4-1) aim to keep pace with unbeaten league leaders La Salle (5-0) as they take on the still-winless Ateneo Blue Eagles (0-5) at 1:00 p.m.
Celine Marsh will be one to watch for NU after posting 11 points and 12 excellent digs in their previous win over the UE Lady Warriors.
