Last year’s finalists, De La Salle University and Far Eastern University, continued their dominant starts in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Saturday at the Paco Arena Sports and Events Center in Manila, with both teams keeping their unbeaten streaks intact.
The Green Spikers extended their winning streak to four games, overcoming Colegio de San Juan de Letran in four sets, 25-16, 25-22, 22-25, 25-20.
Middle blocker Issa Ousseini led the charge with 19 points, including 10 attacks, eight blocks, and one service ace.
However, it was Chris Hernandez’s all-around performance off the bench that propelled De La Salle into solo first place.
Hernandez contributed 22 points, 17 from attacks, alongside three blocks, two aces, 10 digs, and 12 excellent receptions.
“Siyempre happy because we managed to beat some of the teams, pero somehow ang preparation naming is itong sa last three games eh. Looking forward na ma-cover naming ‘yung mga flaws naming, ‘yung mga kulang naming. At the same time, maging solido pa ‘yung galawan ng team,” said head coach Jose Roque.
Letran, meanwhile, showed flashes of life, with Chester Amborsio leading the Knights with 15 points.
Despite their efforts, 29 unforced errors kept them at a 1-3 record, and they will face National University (2-2) in Tuesday’s 10:00 AM opening game.
(C) V-League Images
Meanwhile, defending champion FEU shrugged off a second-set hiccup to secure its second straight win, defeating reigning NCAA champion Arellano University, 25-17, 22-25, 25-23, 25-20.
The Tamaraws leaned on their middle game, with key contributions from Lirick Mendoza and Charles Absin, who anchored the front line with 12 points.
Dryx Saavedra delivered a game-high 19 points, including the match-clinching attack that sealed FEU’s victory.
Amet Bituin added 16 markers to the Tamaraws’ tally.
“Siguro, breaks of the game lang kasi pinagtranahuhan rin ng Arellano. Yun nga pinag-uusapan namin ng boys. Siguro pagod pa from the tournament. Siguro mind setting ang pinaka-importante naming gawin ngayon,” said head coach Eddison Orcullo.
Captain Jiwen Sinuto and AC Guinto led the Chiefs’ offense.
