Far Eastern University reclaimed its throne with authority.
Behind a composed, championship-caliber finish, the Tamaraws completed a stunning series turnaround by sweeping De La Salle University, 25-15, 25-22, 25-23, in Game 3 to clinch back-to-back crowns in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge, Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
After cruising through the first two sets, the Tamaraws found themselves in deep trouble late in the third as the Green Spikers built a 15-18 advantage. But instead of faltering, FEU dug deep and unleashed a 10-5 closing barrage led by Amet Bituin, who sparked the rally with clutch hits alongside Ariel Cacao, Dryx Saavedra, and Mikko Espartero.
“Focus lang ulit, kasi pag sobrang hype, minsan patapos na, hindi mo na nakokontrol yung emotions at enjoyment,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo, recalling what he told his players during the tense final stretch.
“Siguro dapat baba lang ulit namin, tapos focus lang ulit sa nangyayari. Naka-recover naman sa receive at blocking, kaya medyo maganda rin yung outcome.”
(C) V-League Images
Saavedra delivered another stellar performance with 14 points on 11 attacks and three service aces, capping off a consistent Finals series that earned him Finals MVP honors after averaging 13.0 points per game.
“Sobrang saya. Nakakagaan ng loob kasi, sa totoo lang, ang daming struggles na pinagdaanan namin ngayong V-League. Parang ang dami naming natutunan, at maraming tao ang tumulong sa amin,” said Saavedra, as the Tamaraws completed their redemption run after finishing third in the elimination round with a 4-3 record.
Bituin, who hammered the championship-clinching point, contributed 13 points and seven excellent receptions, while Espartero chipped in 10 markers.
Lirick Mendoza and Doula Ndongala added seven points apiece.
Playmaker Ariel Cacao steered the offense with 24 excellent sets and two points, while birthday celebrant Vennie Ceballos anchored the defense with 10 excellent receptions and seven digs.
It was a series of resilience for the Tamaraws, who dropped the series opener in straight sets, 18-25, 22-25, 23-25, before roaring back with a dominant Game 2 victory, 25-16, 25-17, 25-18, to force the decider.
FEU then wrapped up its title defense in emphatic fashion, showing the composure and chemistry that defined its reign under Orcullo.
(C) V-League Images
For La Salle, it was another heartbreak.
After ruling the tournament in 2023, the Green Spikers have now finished with back-to-back silver medals—both at the hands of the Tamaraws.
Rui Ventura led DLSU with 13 points, 12 of which came from attacks, while Issa Ousseini and Tournament MVP Chris Hernandez contributed 11 and nine points, respectively, in the losing effort.
