Far Eastern University secured a spot in the semifinals, fending off a gritty De La Salle University side, 25–23, 25–19, 25–18, in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Saturday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.
The Tamaraws leaned on a strong serving stretch sparked by co-captain Amet Bituin to build a commanding 20–11 advantage in the third set. Arjay Magallanes then tried to rally the Green Spikers, but Kyle Tandoc eventually put FEU at match point before the Tamaraws closed out the sweep.
FEU improved to 4–0, moving a step closer to defending its title. However, head coach Eddieson Orcullo knows his team still has plenty to work on.
“Mag-focus pa rin kami sa serve-pass na nangyayari. And itong La Salle kasi under transition pa kay Coach Babes (Castillo); hindi pa nila nakukuha ang gusto ng coaches,” said the longtime mentor.
“Siguro, kailangang hindi kami tumigil sa ginagawa namin at ayusin yung mga gusto pa naming mangyari, para sa mga susunod nating matches, well-prepared pa rin tayo,” Orcullo added.
Captain Dryx Saavedra paced the Tamaraws’ offense with 14 points on 12 kills, one block, and one ace, while also contributing five digs.
Bituin topped FEU with 15 points on 12 kills, one block, and two aces, to go with 13 excellent receptions. Charles Absin added 12 points, five of which came from kill blocks.
The Tamaraws will look to secure a fifth straight win when they face UAAP rivals National University on Sunday at noon.
Yoyong Mendoza led La Salle with 12 points off the bench, while Issa Ousseini added 11, but the rest of the Green Spikers were held in check by FEU’s defense.
La Salle dropped to 2–4 and will close out its preliminary-round campaign against the De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde Blazers on September 27 at 3 p.m.
Earlier in the day, Mapua University closed out its 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge campaign on a winning note, escaping Arellano University in four sets, 26–24, 25–14, 17–25, 28–26.
Already out of contention with six losses, the Cardinals played with nothing to lose, taking the first two sets before fending off a late challenge from the Chiefs in the fourth and final frame.
Down three points and facing set point at 21–24, Ar-Jay Ramos and Sam Alcantara connived to pull Mapua back into the match, sparking a 7–2 finishing run that secured the Cardinals the victory.
“Kung ano yung natutunan nila sa past six games, gamitin nila dito sa last game nila. Wala namang mawawala sa kanila. Pero sabi ko nga, sa six games na ’yon alam ko na kaya naman namin ’yung ibang teams. Sabi ko, this time, baka naman, ipakita na nila,” said coach Lorence Cruz, who took the reins in place of head coach Aying Esteban, who is currently with the University of Santo Tomas High School Boys’ team in the UAAP.
Ramos led Mapua with 24 points, all coming from attacks, while also contributing four digs and 17 excellent receptions.
Alcantara delivered a breakthrough performance with 19 points on 13 attacks, five blocks, and one service ace, while adding six digs on defense.
For Arellano, CJ Dominguito provided a late spark in the third and fourth sets, but his 13 points were not enough to prevent the Chiefs from falling to the hungry Cardinals.
Daniel Agovida and Jiwen Sinuto added 14 and 11 points, respectively, as Arellano dropped to 2–4 and now sits on the brink of elimination.
The Chiefs will look to keep their campaign alive when they face National University next Saturday, September 26, at 3 p.m., in what could be their final game of the season.
