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Maroons, Tams off to strong start in UAAP men's volleyball

Published Feb 15, 2025 07:17 am

At A Glance

  • Nigerian Olayemi Raheem made heads turn in the UAAP men's volleyball scene after powering University of Philippines to a 19-25, 25-23, 24-26, 25-16, 18-16 victory over University of the East at the start of Season 87 Saturday, Feb. 15, at Mall of Asia Arena.

Nigerian Olayemi Raheem made heads turn in the UAAP men’s volleyball scene after powering University of Philippines to a 19-25, 25-23, 24-26, 25-16, 18-16 victory over University of the East at the start of Season 87 Saturday, Feb. 15, at Mall of Asia Arena.

UAAP87 Volleyball - Olayemi Raheem-6421.jpg
OLAYEMI Raheem finishes with 25 points for UP. (UAAP Images)

Raheem, 20, flashed his fiery form in crunchtime as he steered a 9-3 blast for the Fighting Maroons to turn back the Red Warriors and clinch their first victory in two hours and 19 minutes. 

The hard-hitting spiker pumped in 25 points off 24 attacks and one block.

"For me, it’s kind of like a new experience, having a lot of people, drums, and everything, but I focused on our preparations for the game," Raheem said. 

“The mindset of having to win before going into the game, I was only focused on that and winning. I knew my teammates needed me, and I did my role,” he added.

Daniel Nicolas also stepped up for the Fighting Maroons with 14 points, while Clarence Santiago converted 15 excellent sets and Tommy Castrodes had seven digs and four blocks.

Roy Piojo dazzled with 22 points -- all from attacks -- while Steven Aligayon had 17 points, but their efforts were not enough to lift the Red Warriors.

Meanwhile, Far Eastern University overcame a lethargic start and turned back University of Santo Tomas, 20-25, 25-22, 25-16, 25-20, to also open the season on a high note.

Mikko Espartero took the spotlight for the Tamaraws by pouring 19 points on 16 attacks, two blocks and one ace while Jelord Talisayan and Zhydryx Saavedra chipped in 13 points, respectively.

Back-to-back MVP Josh Ybañez and Trevor Valera, meanwhile, had 15 and 11 points in a losing effort for the Tigers. 

Related Tags

FEU Tamaraws UP Fighting Maroons
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