Far Eastern University secured its spot in the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge Finals after sweeping National University, 25-13, 25-20, 25-21, in Game 2 of the semifinals on Sunday at the Philsports Arena.
The top-seeded Tamaraws followed up their four-set win, 25-23, 25-20, 24-26, 25-16, against the reigning UAAP champions with an even more dominant performance in Game 2, joining the Lady Tamaraws, who clinched a spot in the Women’s finale earlier in the day.
“Talagang nag-prepare kami nang maigi para doon sa laban ngayon kasi sinasabi nga natin na dapat hindi natin makalimutan ‘yung nangyari satin [sa UAAP] na number one ka tapos tinalo tayo ng UST ng dalawang beses,” said FEU head coach Ed Orcullo.
Dryx Saavedra led the Tamaraws with 14 points, tallying 12 attacks and two aces, while Doula Ndongala contributed 10 markers, seven coming from attacks and three from blocks.
Lirick Mendoza added nine points, while rookie Amet Bituin and team captain Jelord Talisayan chipped in with seven and six points, respectively, in the swift one-hour, 10-minute victory.
FEU dominated at the net, converting 40 attacks from 92 attempts, while their opponents managed only 23 attacks from 90. The Tamaraws also gained a significant advantage from the service line, 6-2.
The Tamaraws will face the winner of the semifinals match between De La Salle University and University of Sto. Tomas on Sunday at 5:00 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs were led by team captain Leo Aringo with nine points, while Mac Bandola contributed eight markers.
NU had to cope with the absence of head coach Dante Alinsurin and key players Michaelo Budddin, Leo Ordiales, Rwenzmel Taguibolos, Choi Diao, and Jade Disquitado, who are in Italy with Alas Pilipinas for a training camp.
The Bulldogs will face the loser of the Green Spikers-Golden Spikers series in the bronze medal match on Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
