Far Eastern University survived a thrilling five-set battle against De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 25–19, 23–25, 25–27, 27–25, 15–11, to secure its second straight victory in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
The defending champions improved to 2–0 after nearly two hours of play, leaning on the late-game composure of captains Amet Bituin and Dryx Saavedra to hold off the Blazers in a tightly contested deciding set.
After FEU fought back to force a fifth set, Bituin’s well-placed serves helped the Tamaraws create separation at 9–6 by disrupting Benilde’s attack.
FEU maintained its advantage the rest of the way, with Saavedra putting the finishing touches on the win with a match-clinching kill following a lengthy exchange.
“Siguro kailangan lang din linisin ‘yung errors. Kailangang ibaba namin yung errors namin para maging maayos pa yung game,” said head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
Saavedra led the Tamaraws with 17 points on 16 attacks and one block, while also contributing five digs. Bituin added 15 points off the bench, while Charles Absin chipped in 10.
Reymark Betco erupted for a match-high 35 points on 32 kills, two blocks, and an ace, but Benilde could not maximize his production after he was limited in the fifth set.
The Blazers fell to 2–2 and will try to bounce back against National University on Saturday, September 12, at 5 p.m.
FEU, meanwhile, will shoot for a third straight win when it faces Arellano University on September 13 at 5 p.m.
“Focus pa. Kailangan mag-focus pa sila sa lahat ng gusto nilang mangyari,” Orcullo said.
(C) V-League Images
Later in the day, Colegio de San Juan de Letran continued its strong campaign, sweeping De La Salle University, 25–18, 29–27, 25–23, to move closer to a playoff berth.
The Knights improved to four straight wins, overcoming deficits in the second and third sets to complete the sweep in another tight contest.
“Gusto kong ibigay yung credits sa mga players kasi yung instructions ng mga coaches, nakikinig (sila) at nape-perform nila. Mahirap kasi pag nasa crucial na, nagbigay ka ng instructions pero hindi sumunod yung players,” said head coach Jessie Lopez.
Jessel Nimo delivered a breakthrough performance for Letran with 20 points on 17 kills, two blocks, and an ace, while also tallying two digs and six excellent receptions.
Dave Lardizabal added 11 points, including 10 from attacks, while Vince Himzon contributed 10 markers.
The Knights can secure a semifinals berth with their next two matches, beginning with a clash against winless Mapua University (0–3) on September 13 at 3 p.m.
La Salle slipped to 2–2 despite 18 points from Ousseini, who finished with 16 kills and two blocks. Rui Ventura was held to 10 points, all from attacks.
The Green Spikers will look to rebound against struggling University of Santo Tomas (0–3) in their rescheduled match on Wednesday at 5 p.m.
