Far Eastern University opened its title defense on a winning note, while De La Salle University also picked up its second straight victory in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Saturday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
The Tamaraws fended off a gritty Mapua University side, 25–19, 25–22, 25–15, later in the day, while the Green Spikers earlier turned back Arellano University, 25–21, 25–21, 25–20.
FEU needed to rally from a three-point deficit in the second set, falling behind 17–20 before taking control at the net. The Tamaraws turned their defense into offense to erase the gap and eventually steal the crucial frame, with rookie Joshua Idong coming to life in the stretch.
The reigning champions then needed just 20 minutes to close out the match, with ace and newly installed captain Dryx Saavedra leading the way in FEU’s season debut before putting the victory away with a service ace.
“Siguro, mas ginugusto lang ng mga players na maging maganda yung galaw, yung depensahan, yung counter attack. Kailangan lang sigurong linisin yung serve pass. Don kami mag-focus,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
Mikko Espartero paced the Tamaraws with 14 points on 13 attacks and a block, while also contributing two digs and five excellent receptions. Saavedra added 13 markers, nine digs, and the match-clinching ace, while starting setter Rhodson Du-ot tallied 20 excellent sets and five digs.
FEU will go for a weekend sweep when it faces De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde on Sunday at 10 a.m.
Ar-Jay Ramos was the lone Mapua player in double figures with 19 points, nine digs, and 14 excellent receptions, but the Cardinals fell to 0–3.
Mapua will look for its first win when it faces National University in its rescheduled match on Wednesday at 3 p.m.
(C) V-League Images
Earlier, La Salle kept its momentum going by beating Arellano for the second time, holding off the Chiefs in straight sets.
With only a 16–15 advantage heading into the endgame of the third set, the Green Spikers leaned on their net defense to prevent Arellano from mounting a comeback and wrapped up the match in one hour and 21 minutes.
Cameroonian outside hitter Issa Ousseini led La Salle with 18 points on 14 attacks and four blocks, providing new head coach Babes Castillo with a winning homecoming gift.
“All the games, whether we win or lose, we’re just trying to make all the systems work. We’re trying to perfect it every day. Our team is 30 percent seniors and 30 percent juniors, so there’s a gap. Ang sabi ko sa kanila, let’s clear our responsibilities. If we know our responsibilities, that will be the common denominator,” said Castillo, the former Ateneo girls’ volleyball head coach who recently returned from Toronto, Canada.
Rui Ventura continued his strong play from the right pin with 13 points, including five of La Salle’s 17 blocks, while libero Jules Serrano anchored the defense with 12 digs and 11 excellent receptions.
The Green Spikers improved to 2–1 and will chase their third consecutive victory against the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights (3–1) on Sunday at noon.
CJ Dominguito carried the Chiefs with 18 points, but Arellano suffered back-to-back losses to drop to 2–2.
The Chiefs will try to snap their skid against defending champion FEU on September 13 at 5 p.m., again at Gameville Central Park.
