Defending V-League champion Far Eastern University and Ateneo de Manila University both celebrated hard-fought victories on Sunday at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila, continuing their strong campaigns in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge.
FEU emerged victorious over reigning UAAP champion National University, claiming a straight-set 25-21, 25-20, 25-23 win to notch its third consecutive triumph.
The Tamaraws capitalized on an undermanned Bulldogs squad missing Buds Buddin and Jade Disquitado. On their part, they relied on the balanced offense of Dryx Saavedra, Amet Bituin, and Mikko Espartero to maintain their unbeaten record.
Even without team captain Ariel Cacao, FEU’s attack flowed seamlessly, with Saavedra scoring 20 points on 17 attacks, two aces, and one block.
“Siguro dapat magtrabaho pa kami. Yung mga kalaro natin, kulang pa ng tao [dahil] nasa national team. Hindi pa natin masabi talaga kaya dapat pagtrabahuan pa namin nang maigi. Kailangan hindi kami tumigil,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
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The match’s pivotal moment came in the third set when rookie middle blocker Miguel Egger’s back-to-back blocks briefly gave NU a 19-21 lead.
FEU responded with a critical 4-1 run, capped by a running attack and a block from Charles Absin, to seize a narrow 23-22 advantage.
Bituin’s down-the-line kill ultimately sealed the 82-minute victory.
Espartero and Bituin finished with 10 points each. Benny Martinez contributed 16 excellent sets, while Vennie Ceballos added 14 excellent receptions.
NU dropped to fifth place at 2-3.
Macatangay led the Bulldogs with 13 points, while Egger and rookie Yuan Mendoza added 10 points apiece.
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Earlier in the day, Ateneo de Manila University returned to the win column with a 25-20, 23-25, 26-24, 25-15 victory over College of Saint Benilde, keeping the Blazers winless in the tournament.
The Blue Eagles relied on the firepower of Jian Salarzon, who delivered 23 points on 18 attacks, four blocks, and one ace, along with 20 excellent receptions.
“Sumunod lang talaga sila sa game plan. At tsaka yung kalaban naman is malakas talaga. Yung second set nga and yung shakiness nung third, napasabay nila yung mga bata sa gusto nila mangyari. ‘Yon yung napigilan namin ng mga coaches na huwag natin sila hayaan mag-dictate nung flow ng laro,” said Ateneo head coach Vince Mangulaban.
Ateneo’s biggest play came in the third set, when they rallied from a 22-24 deficit.
An off-the-block hit by Salarzon and an attack error from Alvin Sulayman tied the set at 24-all. Then a clutch block by Salarzon, coupled with a Paul Jordan error, gave the Blue Eagles a crucial 2-1 advantage.
Momentum carried into the fourth set, where Karl Corregidor, Miguel Yu, Amil Pacinio, and Salarzon helped Ateneo build a comfortable lead, ultimately securing a 3-1 win in one hour and 45 minutes.
Pacinio contributed 14 points, while Yu added 13 points and eight excellent receptions. Rodge Alejos finished with six points, including four blocks.
Enzo Gutierrez orchestrated the offense with 23 excellent sets.
Benilde’s Rocky Motol led the team with 18 points but could not prevent the Blazers from remaining winless through three outings.
