With Mikko Espartero back in the fold and its offense firing on all cylinders, Far Eastern University-DN Steel continued its late push for a semifinals berth, sweeping the Armed Forces of the Philippines, 25-16, 25-20, 25-10, in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Thursday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Tamaraws made quick work of the Cavaliers to notch their third consecutive victory, improving to 5-2 and forging a tie with Alpha Insurance for third place in the standings.
(C) Spikers Turf
“Maganda kasi talagang tinrabaho ng mga boys ‘yung match ngayon kaya siguro naging straight sets ‘yung game,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
“After ng game kahapon, nagpahinga ‘yung team. Tapos kaninang umaga nag-ano rin eh, nag-workout nung morning pero kasama talaga sa program ‘yun,” he added.
Espartero made an immediate impact in his return from an ankle injury, finishing with a game-high 10 points, all coming from attacks, for the surging Tamaraws.
Amet Bituin and Xandrex Ragusta chipped in nine points apiece, while Dryx Saavedra added eight.
Setter Rhodson Du-ot orchestrated FEU’s balanced offensive attack, dishing out 16 excellent sets in the quick 65-minute victory that handed the Cavaliers a disappointing exit from the tournament.
The Tamaraws took advantage of an undermanned AFP side, which remained without top spiker Ranran Abdilla, dominating the attack department, 50-25, while also holding a commanding 7-0 advantage in blocks to dictate the pace of the match.
FEU will shoot for its fourth consecutive victory when it faces Alpha Insurance on November 18 at 3 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, hoping to further strengthen its bid for a semifinals berth.
(C) Spikers Turf
Meanwhile, AFP wrapped up its Invitational Conference campaign winless at 0-9.
Pol Salvador led the Cavaliers with eight points, while Alfredo Pagulong contributed six.
