Far Eastern University-DN Steel showed composure beyond its years, overcoming PGJC-Navy in four sets, 25-23, 25-16, 31-33, 25-17, to notch its first win in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Friday at the Paco Arena in Manila.
After failing to close out the marathon third set — where they squandered nine match points — the Tamaraws bounced back with poise, proving they were unfazed by the veteran Sealions.
FEU-DN Steel quickly recalibrated, opening the fourth frame with a 13-6 blitz that PGJC-Navy never recovered from. That sealed the victory in one hour and 58 minutes to even its record at 1-1 in the league organized by Sports Vision and supported by Alpha Insurance, Premiere EMS, Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things, and Arena Plus.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Sa boys namin, kahit anong gawin niyan laban ‘yan. Nakita mo ‘yung galing sa bench papasok, kahit sinong gamitin ko papasok at lalaban talaga. ‘Yun ang pinakamagandang character ng brotherhood na meron kami,” said FEU-DN Steel head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
Trailing 17-20 in the third, the Tamaraws leaned on Charles Absin, Mikko Espartero, and Dryx Saavedra to rally and eventually reach match point at 24-22.
However, the Sealions refused to fold, saving all nine match points before a centerline fault by Paul Salboro handed them their first set point, which they converted. Joeven Dela Vega delivered a pipe attack to extend the match, 33-31.
Saavedra led all scorers with 22 points built on 20 attacks and two blocks. Meanwhile, Absin, who played only in the last three sets, still contributed 12 points off 10 kills and two rejections.
Lirick Mendoza, Espartero, and Salboro chipped in 10 points apiece as setter Ariel Cacao orchestrated the offense with 34 excellent sets.
FEU-DN Steel looks to build on this momentum when it returns to action on Sunday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre against fellow 1-1 squad Alpha Insurance at 2:00 PM.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
For PGJC-Navy, middle blocker and former FEU standout Peter Quiel led the charge with 12 points, while Greg Dolor was limited to just 10.
Dela Vega managed eight points, and Bonjomar Castel added nine, including crucial hits in the third set.
The Sealions will try to secure their first win on Wednesday at 6:00 PM against defending champion Cignal, also at the Paco Arena.
All games are broadcast live on One Sports and One Sports+, and streamed via the Pilipinas Live app—with video-on-demand options available—as well as on spikersturf.ph.
