Far Eastern University turned back National University in straight sets, 25–22, 25–22, 25–20, to force a winner-take-all Game 3 in the V-League Collegiate Challenge Finals on Friday at the FilOil Centre.
The two rivals will meet again on Sunday, October 11, at 2 p.m. to determine the tournament’s champion.
Mikko Espartero delivered back-to-back kills to give the reigning two-time champions a 19–16 lead in the third set after FEU overcame an early deficit.
The Bulldogs attempted to mount a comeback, with Jade Disquitado and Choi Diao combining to trim the deficit to just one point at 20–21. However, the rally only seemed to awaken the Tamaraws, who unleashed a decisive 4–0 run to close out the match and extend the series to a third game.
(C) V-League
“Back to the drawing board lang kami, kasi kailangan naming bumawi. Binalik lang namin ‘yung system na wala kami nung Game 1,” said FEU head coach Ferdinand Manalon when asked about the team’s preparations for Game 2.
“Yung body language nung Game 1, makikita mo agad sa galaw na parang wala lahat sa timing. Yun lang pinagtuunan namin sa ensayo, lahat kailangan pinag-iisipan ‘yung bawat galaw at kilos,” added the longtime deputy.
Amet Bituin paced FEU with 14 points on 12 attacks and two blocks, while Dryx Saavedra contributed 12 attack points and one block. Charles Absin chipped in 12 markers, including three kill blocks, while Espartero provided three timely points off the bench.
The Tamaraws made their intentions clear from the opening set, relying on their defensive pressure to generate transition opportunities and take control of the first two frames.
Their strong net defense and floor coverage also forced the Bulldogs into uncharacteristic errors, allowing the Morayta-based squad to maintain its advantage and secure the straight-sets victory.
(C) V-League
NU, meanwhile, will return to the drawing board as it seeks its first championship since 2022. Disquitado led the Bulldogs with a match-high 17 points, including 15 attacks, while RK Medino added 11 markers off the bench.
However, NU’s 18 errors proved costly as the Bulldogs fell short of closing out the series and setting up a title celebration.
