By Jean Malanum

TOPSCORER. Far Eastern University’s Lirick Mendoza soars for a smash against National University in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Saturday (Feb. 21, 2026). He scored 17 points to lead the Tamaraws past the Bulldogs, 22-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-20. (UAAP photo)

MANILA – Far Eastern University (FEU) defeated National University (NU), 22-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-20, for its third straight win in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Saturday.

Lirick Mendoza scored 17 points, including three blocks and one ace, while Congo’s Doula Ndongala had 14 points off 12 attacks, one block and one ace.

“We really prepared each other for the matchup, who should be given the serving target, how each one should attack. We really worked hard, we thought about it and then executed it correctly, so the result was good,” FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo said after the match that lasted one hour and 45 minutes.

Sophomore Amet Bituin contributed 16 points and eight excellent receptions, while Dryx Saavedra added 15 points. Ariel Cacao delivered 25 excellent sets.

“We really prepared for this game because last year, it was even more painful than what happened in Season 86 with UST (University of Santo Tomas), so the willingness of the entire team was great that we had to win this,” Mendoza said, recalling the Tamaraws’ losses in Games 2 and 3 of last season’s finals.

Michaelo Buddin had 21 points (17 attacks, three aces, and a block), eight receptions and seven digs, while Leo Ordiales and Jade Disquitado chipped in 15 and 13 points, respectively for NU, which took its first loss in three outings.

Meanwhile, University of the East (UE) ended a 23-game slump after a 25-22, 20-25, 25-23, 30-32, 15-12 victory over Adamson University.

Sophomore spiker Raquim Aceron led UE with 24 points and 21 excellent receptions, while CJ Nabora had 17 points, 13 receptions and seven digs followed by rookie Mark Lee Budias with 16 points.

The Warriors’ last victory was over the University of the Philippines Maroons, 25-21, 19-25, 28-30, 27-25, 15-12, in the first round of Season 86 on March 17, 2024.

In the women’s division, Adamson University downed UE, 25-15, 25-18, 21-25, 25-18.

Shaina Nitura finished with 19 points, 13 digs and 12 receptions as the Lady Falcons improved to 2-1. (PNA)