Tarlac State University (TSU) Firefoxes successfully halted the predominant Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) Carabaos’ crowd as the Firefoxes vanquished the Carabaos, 25-17, 26-28, 25-21, 20-25, 15-8, in State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association III Olympics Men's Volleyball Category held at Barangay Santa Maria Covered Court, Camiling, Tarlac on February 22, 2023. 

 

The Firefoxes’ wing spikers—CJ Mangrobang and Neil Panis—together with their Middle Blocker, Cyrus Sumaoang, shined to push their standing to 2-2 and still keep up their semi-final hopes. 

 

TSU appeared to have found a loophole in TAU as they seemed disturbed during the first set and committed numerous frustrating errors. 22-year-old Sumaoang contributed 6 huge points with his quick and running attacks for them to claim the opening set, 25-17. 

 

Tight start between the teams during the second set until TAU made errors off Joshua Macadangdang overreach and Joshua Cortez outside hit for TSU to widen the gap, 15-10. 

 

However, The Firefoxes also produced so many errors as they relaxed a bit. The Carabaos then managed to narrow the margin, 17-17. But The Firefoxes regained their composure to push the scoreline to 24-20, courtesy to Zoren Gutierrez’s hits and block, one point away on grabbing a comfortable two sets to none lead. 

 

Nonetheless, TAU carried on to close the gap and eventually bagged the second set win with the help of their wing spikers—Johnly Felix and Dennis Espiritu—with their ruthless attacks and mighty defense on the net, 28-26. 

 

All fueled up, Felix and Gandola delivered fierce and quick attacks to put TAU in a 2-point lead during the third set, 15-13. However, TSU’s libero, Adrian Solomon, spoiled their attacks with his monstrous digs for them to find their groove, demolishing TAU’s momentum, and ultimately got the third set as TAU became erroneous during the latter part of the set, 25-21. 

 

With the help of TAUinians in the crowd, TAU regained their composure as they maintained their lead throughout the fourth set with the help of Gandola’s signature quick attacks. TSU did not find their way back as Macadangdang ended the set with his running attack, 25-20. 

 

Close start during the deciding fifth set but Sumaoang’s services disoriented TAU’s defense pattern and The Carabaos completely lost their rhythm on the court. Panis ended the set, defeating TAU, 15-8.