Far Eastern University made quick work of Arellano University in straight sets, 25-16, 25-14, 25-19, to remain unscathed in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday night at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
The Tamaraws mounted a late run to fend off a pesky Chiefs side in the third set before pulling away to complete their third consecutive win and improve to a 3-0 record.
“Lahat naman ng team na makakalaro natin, talagang gusto nilang kunin ‘yung game sa atin. Kaya medyo hindi pwedeng petiks-petiks lang,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
“‘Yun talaga ang target ng team, dapat bumaba ‘yung errors tapos dumami ‘yung magandang ginagawa. Tapos ‘yung factor din na nagbigay din ng opponent errors,” he added, as his side committed just 15 errors in the 74-minute victory.
Arellano mounted one last attempt to extend the match in the third set, but it went down the drain as Amet Bituin broke an 18-all deadlock with three points in a 7-1 finishing kick to secure the win.
Bituin finished with a game-high 11 points on eight attacks and three blocks, while Doula Ndongala added 10 markers, highlighted by eight of FEU’s 14 blocks and two attacks.
Mikko Espartero and Kyle Tandoc chipped in six points apiece, while Dryx Saavedra had five for the Tamaraws.
FEU will attempt to extend its unbeaten streak to four games when it faces UAAP rival National University on September 26.
Meanwhile, Angelo Fernandez was the lone bright spot for Arellano with 10 points on seven attacks and three aces.
Jake Teves scored five points off the bench, while Daniel Agovida, Arman Guinto, Jake Pangilinan, and Jiwen Sinuto all finished with four points each.
The loss dropped the Chiefs to 2-3, leaving them tied with University of Santo Tomas, College of Saint Benilde, and De La Salle University from fourth to seventh in the standings. Arellano will look to get back on track against Mapua on Saturday at 10 a.m.
(C) V-League
Earlier in the day, Colegio de San Juan de Letran punched the first ticket to the men’s semifinals after surviving a gritty five-set battle against Mapua University, 23-25, 27-25, 25-14, 19-25, 15-9.
After dropping its opening game against Arellano, the Knights have since turned their fortunes around, rattling off five straight wins to surge to a league-best 5-1 record.
Wayne Araño orchestrated Letran’s thrilling escape from the upset-seeking Cardinals, delivering 22 excellent sets and two points, including the game-winning ace that finally put the Knights over the line and into the semifinals.
Letran head coach Jessie Lopez was far from pleased with how the Knights handled the match, particularly after they squandered a chance to close it out in the fourth set despite holding a 2-1 advantage.
Still, Lopez was relieved to see his wards weather the late scare and finish the job in the deciding frame.
“Hindi ako masaya. Unang-una, hinahanap ko sa kanila ‘yung pagsunod sa sistema. Masyadong complacent ‘yung galaw masyado nilang in-easy-easy,” said Lopez.
“During training naman okay ‘yung galaw namin, pero pagdating sa game bakit naging ganyan. Medyo nakapagsalita ako ng ‘di maganda, pero nag-sorry naman ako,” he added.
Despite the complacency that nearly derailed their bid for an early semifinal berth, Letran regained its footing in the deciding set, turning a 5-all deadlock into a 9-5 cushion with a 6-2 run.
The Cardinals refused to go quietly, trimming the deficit to just two at 11-9 after back-to-back errors from the Knights.
Araño then took matters into his own hands, spearheading a 4-0 finishing kick highlighted by two aces to seal the victory after two hours and five minutes.
Dave Lardizabal paced Letran with 21 points on 16 attacks and five kill blocks, along with eight excellent digs.
Jessel Nimo and Christer Ambrocio chipped in 17 points apiece, with Ambrocio also adding 11 excellent receptions for the Knights, who committed 36 errors in the win.
Letran will have plenty of time to regroup and fine-tune its game before returning to action, as the Knights aim to finish the eliminations on a six-game winning streak when they take on FEU on September 27.
On the other hand, Ar-Jay Ramos’ 26-point, eight-dig outing went for naught as Mapua failed to complete its upset bid, falling to 0-6.
Sam Alcantara put up 12 points and 14 excellent receptions in the defeat, while Adrian Musni had 11.
The Cardinals will look to end their campaign on a winning note against Arellano on Saturday.
