The FEU Tamaraws in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament. Photo from UAAP Media.MANILA — Far Eastern University preserved its spotless record in the UAAP Season 87 men’s volleyball tournament as it opened its second-round campaign.

The Tamaraws extended the misery of University of Santo Tomas, rallying from six points down in the third set to carve out a tight 26-24, 25-23, 25-19 sweep, Sunday afternoon at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Behind the balanced effort from Mikko Espartero, Ariel Cacao, and Dryx Saavedra, the Tamaraws stretched their winning streak to eight outings, while sending the Golden Spikers skidding to their third consecutive defeat.

Once holding a 4-1 record, the Golden Spikers now find themselves outside of the Final Four picture at solo fifth place with a 4-4 slate.

UST is now one game behind Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University, whose victories over the weekend allowed them to forge a share for third place with identical 5-3 records.

This win also paved the way for the Tamaraws to assert their dominance over the Golden Spikers, who they defeated in their Season 87 opener in four sets last February 15.

“Huwag lang dapat kami makuntento tsaka mag relax. Yung mga nangyari sa sets, especially sa first and second sets, dapat hanggang hindi natatapos yung match or yung set, hindi dapat kami tumigil. May momentum na minsan pero hindi pa nagwi-whistle yung referee pero tumitigil na kami sa paggalaw. Medyo linisin pa dapat namin ‘yon at iba pang bagay-bagay,” FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo said.

The Tamaraws were sent down a six-point, 2-8 hole to start the third set, but they held their ground by responding with a dominant 14-6 run, capped with a crosscourt hit from Saavedra and a backrow attack from team captain Jelord Talisayan, to gain a slim 16-14 advantage.

From that point onwards, FEU seized control as a block from Congolaise middle blocker Doula Ndongala, a service error from UST team captain Dux Yambao, a Saavedra backrow attack, and an Espartero crosscourt hit sealed the Tamaraws’ eighth consecutive win in as many games.

A tightly contested second set affair saw the Golden Spikers inch within one point at 23-22 after an off-the-block hit from Jayrack dela Noche, but clutch attacks from Espartero and Talisayan allowed the Tamaraws to build a 2-0 set advantage.

FEU displayed poise under pressure in the first set as the trio of Espartero, Ariel Cacao, and Amet Bituin powered the Tamaraws’ crucial 5-0 run to turn a 21-24 deficit into an opening-set triumph.

“Sa akin, same pa rin yung sinasabi ko katulad nung last round namin na huwag namin intayin na matalo kami bago kami maggrind pa. Kaya sinasabi ko sa kanila every training na ibigay natin yung 100 percent natin sa training kasi ‘yon yung magddikta ng laro namin sa actual game,” Cacao said.

Cacao orchestrated the Tamaraws’ offense with 28 excellent sets, which resulted in two FEU players scoring in double figures.

Espartero top-scored anew with 18 points on 17-of-35 kills and one block with seven excellent receptions, while Saavedra provided ample support with 13 points on a 13-of-25 attack efficiency. Lirick Mendoza chipped in eight points on five attacks and three blocks.

Starting libero Vennie Ceballos achieved 12 excellent receptions and eight excellent digs.

FEU will look to extend their winning streak and achieve their ninth consecutive win against a winless University of the East side on Wednesday, March 26, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Two-time UAAP MVP Josh Ybanez paced the Golden Spikers with 15 points, 10 excellent receptions, and three excellent digs, while Dela Noche tallied 12 points on 11 attacks and one block in the losing effort.

Top rookie JJ Macam, who ended the first round as the leader in the race for the Best Outside Spiker award and as the 12th-best scorer with 85 points, was limited to three points on 3-of-15 attack efficiency.

UST aims to break out of their slump against La Salle on Saturday, March 29, at the Araneta Coliseum.