Far Eastern University recovered from a slow start before turning back De La Salle, 22-25, 25-21, 25-22, 25-19, to sweep its first round assignments in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday, March 15.

The Tamaraws regained their bearings on time and banked on Mikko Espartero to keep them afloat against the determined Green Spikers and protect their flawless record.

It was FEU’s seventh straight wins in as many outings, tightening its hold of the top spot by becoming the lone undefeated team in the standings.

Espartero torched the net with 21 kills along with five aces and one block to finish with 27 points, while Zhydryx Saavedra and Lirick Mendoza conspired for 30 points for the Tamaraws.

FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo said there will be no time to relax despite their impressive run.

“Wala lang titigil dapat sa ginagawa namin. Kung ano ‘yung nasimulan namin, hanggang dulo masustain namin yung gusto naming mangyari sa second round,” Orcullo said.

Espartero added they just stayed composed after dropping the opening set.

“Mahalaga yung healthy pause at dahan-dahan na huminga, kumalma, at huwag magpadala sa pressure. Yun yung nakita ko nung first set kaya nagka-struggle,” added Espartero.

Noel Kampton tried to lift La Salle by registering 18 points, while Glen Ventura added 15 points, but their efforts went to waste as the Green Spikers slid to 4-3.

Meanwhile, Ateneo flexed its might and made quick work of University of the East, 25-21, 25-19, 25-16, to end its first-round campaign on a high note.

Ken Batas scored 15 points on 11 attacks, two blocks and two aces, while Amil Pacinio Jr. and Jian Salarzon added 13 and 12 points, respectively, for the Blue Eagles, who notched their fourth win against three losses to tie with the Green Spikers at fourth to fifth places.

Raquim Aceron, for his part, was the lone double-digit scorer for the Warriors, who plunged deeper into the cellar with a 0-6 hole.