Charles Absin made sure Far Eastern University-DN Steel would not suffer a third consecutive defeat, powering the Tamaraws to a come-from-behind 27-29, 25-19, 25-22, 25-21 victory over previously unbeaten ClearSkiiin in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Sunday at the Filoil Centre.
Absin delivered his best performance of the tournament, exploding for 23 points on 17 attacks, five kill blocks, and one ace as FEU snapped its two-game losing streak against National University-Archipelago Builders and Savouge while handing the UV Smashers their first defeat after four straight wins.
The Tamaraws, who fell short in an extended opening set, quickly regained their footing and took control of the next three frames to improve to a 3-2 record.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Siguro ‘yung dalawang magkasunod na talo namin siguro naging isang malaking opportunity din ‘yun para makapaglaro kami ng all out ngayon. Kaya talagang ‘yung seize the moment, nandun lang sa gusto naming mangyari,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
Absin spearheaded the Tamaraws’ resurgence after averaging just seven points in their losses to the Bulldogs and Spin Doctors.
“Siguro po ayun nga, kasi sa training pa lang dun na kami nagumpisa. Sinayahan lang namin ‘yung ensayo para towards the game, ‘yun na ‘yung magiging momentum namin and sana tuluy-tuloy na ‘to hanggang dulo,” said Absin.
ClearSkiiin threatened to force a deciding fifth set when Angela Gayud beat Dryx Saavedra’s single block with a cross-court kill to pull the UV Smashers within one, 20-21, late in the fourth frame.
Absin, however, responded with a quick attack before Saavedra turned away Vince Abrot at the net to stretch FEU’s lead to 23-20. JM Ronquillo momentarily halted the Tamaraws’ momentum with an off-the-block hit, keeping ClearSkiiin within striking distance.
But Absin once again delivered in the clutch, converting another quick attack before Abrot sent his next attempt wide to seal the victory for FEU.
Amet Bituin backstopped Absin with 18 points off the bench, while Saavedra chipped in 15. Kyle Tandoc and Lirick Medonza added 12 and 11 points, respectively, to round out the Tamaraws’ double-digit scorers.
Rhodson Du-out orchestrated the offense with 32 excellent sets in the four-set triumph, along with four points, while Vennie Ceballos anchored the defense with 16 excellent receptions.
FEU will gun for back-to-back victories when it takes on 3B on Wednesday at 3 p.m. at the same venue.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Meanwhile, ClearSkiiin slipped into a tie with NU for second to third place, with both teams holding identical 4-1 records.
Ronquillo was the lone double-digit scorer for the UV Smashers with 19 points, all coming from attacks.
Renzel Antonio delivered an all-around performance with nine points, 13 excellent receptions, and five excellent digs, while Loisa Gamban and Jester Bornel chipped in eight points apiece.
ClearSkiiin missed the services of starting playmaker Klint Mateo, who rolled his left ankle during their victory over the Armed Forces of the Philippines on November 3.
The UV Smashers will look to bounce back against defending champion Criss Cross on Wednesday at 5 p.m.
