The Far Eastern University (FEU) Men’s Volleyball Team are very thankful for the overwhelming support they received during their campaign in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 especially during the best-of-three championship round.

The championship series between the Tamaraws and the National University (NU) Bulldogs drew record-breaking crowds for local men’s volleyball. Game 1, held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last May 11, was attended by 5,405 fans. Game 2, at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena last May 14, saw 9,977 in attendance. In the decisive third game last May 14, a historic crowd of 14,517 fans from both FEU and NU communities filled SM Mall of Asia Arena to the rafters.

“We wouldn’t be where we are if not for the support you gave us, [FEU community]. I hope all of you are still behind us, even though we didn’t get the gold this season. We will not stop working hard until we achieve what we truly want. Gold is the goal. Thank you very much,” said FEU head coach Eddieson “Ed” Orcullo.

The championship series between the Tamaraws and the National University (NU) Bulldogs drew record-breaking crowds for local men’s volleyball. Game 1, held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last May 11, was attended by 5,405 fans. Game 2, a winner-take-all match at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena last May 14, saw 9,977 in attendance. That same day, in the decisive third game, a historic crowd of 14,517 fans from both FEU and NU communities filled SM Mall of Asia Arena to the rafters.

“We wouldn’t be where we are if not for the support you gave us, [FEU community]. I hope all of you are still behind us, even though we didn’t get the gold this season. We will not stop working hard until we achieve what we truly want. Gold is the goal. Thank you very much,” said FEU head coach Eddieson “Ed” Orcullo.

This championship run marked a significant boost for local men’s volleyball, which traditionally trails behind UAAP women’s volleyball and men’s basketball in popularity. The Tamaraws remain a powerhouse in men’s volleyball, holding the record for most UAAP titles with 26. However, their last championship came in Season 74 (2012), and they have been in and out of title contention in recent years.

The Tamaraws began regaining momentum in Season 86, finishing as the top seed in the Final Four before being eliminated by long-time rivals, the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers. That early exit served as motivation for redemption. Preparation for Season 87 was long and arduous but paid off, as FEU claimed its first-ever V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge title in October after defeating De La Salle University (DLSU) and competed in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Tournament.

The FEU Tamaraws started strong in UAAP Season 87, sweeping the first round and sparking hopes for an undefeated elimination run. Their only loss came at the hands of the NU Bulldogs in the second round, but the team bounced back and finished the eliminations strong. Their Final Four victory over DLSU sent them to the UAAP Finals for the first time since Season 81.

The team’s impressive run brought FEU back into the spotlight, with the FEU community rallying behind them—in full force, celebrating every point and standing by the team even during tough stretches.
Although the Tamaraws came agonizingly close to reclaiming the title, they ultimately fell to the now five-peat champion NU Bulldogs.

“Mentally, this experience will be a big help for the team. We won’t be surprised anymore by the pressure and atmosphere in the finals. Thank you, FEU community—we truly felt your support. We can’t believe we were part of history, playing in front of the biggest crowd for men’s volleyball. I hope you’ll still be there next season,” said Tamaraw top player Dryx Saavedra.