Manila: Far Eastern University (FEU) claimed its eighth consecutive victory in the UAAP Season 88 men's volleyball tournament, overcoming an initial setback to defeat the University of the East (UE) with scores of 19-25, 25-19, 26-24, 25-11 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

According to Philippines News Agency, Amet Samuel Bituin played a pivotal role in FEU's win, registering 15 points and 11 excellent receptions. His teammate, Dryx Saavedra, also contributed significantly with 15 points and four digs, helping the Tamaraws maintain their flawless record of eight wins in as many matches this season.

In another match of the day, defending champions National University (NU) secured a straight-sets victory over the University of the Philippines (UP) with scores of 25-19, 25-14, 25-19. NU's standout players, Leo Ordiales and Buds Buddin, both scored 14 points, while Jade Disquitado added 13 points, elevating the team to second place with a 6-2 record.

The current standings see the University of Santo Tomas in third place with a 5-2 record, while Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University share the fourth position with identical 3-4 records. Adamson University follows with 2-5, UP at 2-6, and UE at 1-7.

Looking ahead, FEU and NU are set to face off at 11 a.m. on Sunday at the Big Dome. FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo expressed his expectations for a competitive game against UE, noting the competitive spirit of all teams in the league.

'Everyone stepping on the hard court, hard game,' Orcullo remarked, emphasizing the importance of skill and determination in achieving success.

In the intense match against UE, Lirick Mendoza and Mikko Espartero made valuable contributions, scoring 12 and 10 points respectively. Charles David Absin, Ariel Cacao, and Vennie Ceballos also played crucial roles with their performances in attacks, sets, and receptions.

For UE, Raquim Aceron and Roy Piojo stood out despite the loss, scoring 21 and 15 points respectively, showcasing their resilience and skill on the court.