Far Eastern University kept its ground and held off University of Santo Tomas, 28-30, 25-22, 25-17, 25-22, to sweep its first-round assignments in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Saturday, March 14.

Though the Tamaraws slipped in the extended opening set, they found ways to solve the riddle in the next three frames as Dryx Saavedra and Amet Bituin showed the way where they posted timely hits that denied the Golden Spikers’ final hurrah in the fourth.

Apart from ending the first half of its title-redemption season unblemished, FEU marked its seventh consecutive victory – a feat it also achieved last edition.

On the other hand, UST, which had a late unsuccessful challenge after Josh Ybañez’s kill could have extended the game, concluded its five-game win streak and dropped to third with a 5-2 slate.

Saavedra topscored after listing 17 points on 15 attacks and two blocks that went with five excellent digs, and one reception. Mikko Espartero had a splendid double-double off 14 points and 24 receptions.

“Syempre do’n kami sa part na hirap din kami, pag UST palaban talaga eh, do’n lang kami sa part na na-down kami pero pinipilit namin na mabilis kami na maka-adjust,” said Saavedra. “Kapag merong kulang sinusubukan namin mapunan.”

Lirick Mendoza and Bituin also dazzled with 17 and 12 points, respectively, while Ariel Cacaco logged 30 excellent sets on top of five points and three digs.

Ybañez uncorked 21 points, five digs, and eight receptions, while JJ Macam and Joncriz Ayco conspired for 19 points which all went down the drain.

Meanwhile, Ateneo rediscovered its form after beating University of the East, 25-14, 25-17, 25-20, to snap its two-game slide and close out the first round on a high note.

Hungry to bounce back from their back-to-back losses, Jian Salarzon recovered and paced the Blue Eagles as they vented their ire right away by building a big separation the Red Warriors couldn’t catch on.

With its win, Ateneo improved to 3-4 for a solo fourth, while UE fell to 1-6 at the bottom of the standings.

Salarzon, who had a quiet five-point outing the last time out, had a rebound game with 15 points off 12 attacks and three blocks along with six excellent receptions, while Amil Pacinio, Ken Batas and Rodge Alejos added eight, five, and four points, respectively.

Raquim Aceron paced UE with 14 points in a losing cause.