Far Eastern University-DN Steel wasted little time moving on from its V-League heartbreak, opening its 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference campaign with a commanding 25-23, 25-17, 25-17 sweep of AEP-Cabstars on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
Fresh off a painful loss to National University in the V-League Collegiate Challenge Finals, the Tamaraws showed their resilience by surviving a tight opening set before taking control in the next two frames to seal the 64-minute victory.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Pinakamaganda ’yung moment na nanggaling kami sa baba, tapos ngayon, ’yung moment na may panibago ulit na tournament na, may misyon na kailangan naming mag-focus ulit,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
“So, lagi nating sinasabi sa kanila na doon sa moment na ’yon, ’yung damdamin natin, dapat medyo itabi muna natin. Kailangan mag-focus tayo sa kung ano ’yung present na nangyayari sa tournament natin ngayon,” he added.
Dryx Saavedra, who was left with a costly net touch in Game 3 of the Finals against the Bulldogs, bounced back in impressive fashion. His performance led FEU with 14 points on 10 attacks and four kill blocks.
Rhodson Du-ot orchestrated the Tamaraws’ offense with 14 excellent sets, helping the team tally 41 kills on 93 attack attempts.
Charles Absin and Doula Ndongala chipped in eight points apiece, while Lirik Mendoza and Kyle Tandoc added six markers each.
FEU’s dominance at the net also proved decisive. The Tamaraws outblocked the Cabstars, 13-4, while capitalizing on 20 opponent errors and limiting their own miscues to just 15.
The Tamaraws will look to build on their winning start when they face VNS-Always Bright Laticrete on Wednesday at 3:00 PM at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Meanwhile, Leo Aringo — who recently returned from his stint with Japan’s Saitama Azalea in the V.League — paced AEP-Cabstars with 14 points on 11 attacks, two blocks, and one ace. He also tallied eight excellent receptions.
Paul Malaiba, Dave Lardizabal, and Lorenz Vicente contributed seven points apiece in the losing effort.
The Cabstars will aim to bounce back against Clearskiiin on Wednesday at 1:00 PM.
