Japan-trained Tamaraws ready for title chase

Far Eastern University (FEU) will look to bring its experience from its Japan training into its campaign in Season 88 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s volleyball tournament.

Tamaraws coach Eddieson Orcullo told DAILY TRIBUNE that their six-day camp in Osaka last August featured matches against collegiate teams and some professional squads.

“We were there for six days. We played 15 teams — actually a total of 30 teams. One leg was three days, then the second leg was three days again,” said Orcullo, whose wards are looking to redeem themselves after losing to defending champion National University (NU) in their best-of-three championship series last season.

“I think that’s a big thing. The maturity, the exposure, and the experience of everyone are big factors for us.”

With Dryx Saavedra and Mikko Espartero, FEU will open its redemption campaign against De La Salle University on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Last year, the Tamaraws came so close to toppling the Bulldogs from their throne as they finished the elimination round as the top seed with a 13-1 win-loss record.

Armed with a twice-to-beat advantage, the Tamaraws defeated the Green Archers 24-26, 25-23, 25-19, 25-20 in the Final Four to arrange a best-of-three finals duel with the dangerous Bulldogs

But FEU lost steam in their title showdown, allowing NU to run away with its third straight UAAP title.

Orcullo said their bitter setback is now a thing of the past as he is optimistic that his boys are more than driven to end a 19-year title drought and clinch the school’s 26th UAAP championship.

“I think the players are more focused. They’re hungry to take the victory,” Orcullo said.