Far Eastern University extended its undefeated run to five matches, taking down UAAP rival and tormentor National University in a tightly contested five-setter, 25–21, 25–22, 23–25, 25–22, 15–11, in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Sunday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
The Tamaraws had already secured a spot in the semifinals with a sweep of De La Salle University the previous day, but they remained determined to improve their form heading into the knockout stage.
After that win, FEU emphasized the need to sharpen its serve-receive execution, and the adjustment proved crucial against the Bulldogs.
The Tamaraws’ pinpoint reception allowed them to generate more efficient attacks, with Dryx Saavedra and Kyle Tandoc delivering the finishing blows. FEU also held its nerve in the deciding set as NU’s Peng Taguibolos and Buds Buddin tried to rally the UAAP champions.
“Siguro happy pero at the same time, hindi pa contented kasi marami pang dapat ayusin. Kaya ayon, ensayo uli,” said head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
“Ginusto ng players (na manalo) kasi siguro na-challenge sila sa ginawa ng kalaro namin. Isa yun sa malaking factor kaya nakuha namin yung game,” he added.
Saavedra once again led the V-League titleholders with 22 points, including 19 attacks and three blocks, while also collecting four digs.
Four other Tamaraws finished in double figures, led by Charles Absin’s 15 points. Outside hitters Amet Bituin and Mikko Espartero chipped in 14 and 12 markers, respectively, while Doula Ndongala added 11.
The balanced offensive attack was also made possible by FEU’s 46 excellent receptions, with Espartero leading the team with 17. Rhodson Du-ot, meanwhile, registered 21 excellent sets.
(C) V-League Images
FEU’s victory came after University of Santo Tomas strengthened its bid for the final semifinals spot earlier in the day by outlasting De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 25–15, 23–25, 25–22, 24–26, 22–20.
The Golden Spikers improved to 3-3 with the marathon victory, setting up a crucial showdown with FEU on Saturday, September 26, at 5 p.m.
UST threatened to close out the match early in the deciding set after JJ Macam drilled back-to-back kills to give the Golden Spikers a 9–4 cushion. However, Reymark Betco and Rocky Motol sparked a comeback for the Blazers, forcing a deuce at 20-all.
A booming kill from GBoy De Vega that clipped the line gave UST a match-point advantage before Macam and Al Bukhaire Sali teamed up to deny Betco and seal the two-hour-and-35-minute marathon.
“Ginusto ng mga bata; sila naman ang nag-perform. Kami, naging guide lang kami don sa game. Ginusto nila kaya nakuha namin tong panalo,” said coach Benjamin Mape, who handled the team with head coach Odjie Mamon also seated on the bench.
De Vega was a major threat on both ends of the court, finishing with 23 points on 22 kills and a service ace while also recording 22 excellent receptions.
Sali and Macam chipped in 22 and 15 points, respectively, while libero Edriel Alabar tallied 28 excellent receptions as UST’s solid service reception proved crucial.
Benilde was led by Betco’s game-high 29 points and Motol’s 12 markers. However, the Blazers were undone by UST’s advantage in attacks, 70–57, leaving them on the brink of elimination.
The Golden Spikers will now try to secure the last semifinals berth against FEU, while Benilde will make one final push when it faces De La Salle University next week at 3 p.m.
FEU, meanwhile, will close out the preliminaries with back-to-back matches, beginning with its showdown against UST before facing Colegio de San Juan de Letran (5-1) on Sunday, September 27, at 5 p.m.
(C) V-League Images
Asian Games-bound spikers Leo Ordiales and Buddin led NU with 23 and 17 points, respectively, but their efforts were not enough to prevent the Bulldogs from dropping to 3-3.
NU will navigate the rest of the tournament without Taguibolos, Ordiales, and Buddin beginning with its crucial matchup against Arellano University earlier on Saturday at 3 p.m.
