National University and Far Eastern University carved out contrasting victories to highlight a jam-packed Tuesday in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.
The ‘five-peat’ UAAP champions Bulldogs snapped a two-game skid with a pulsating five-set escape over University of Santo Tomas, 25-19, 26-24, 16-25, 14-25, 19-17.
Meanwhile, the defending V-League titlists Tamaraws launched their title-retention bid with a gritty four-set triumph against Ateneo de Manila University, 25-20, 22-25, 25-19, 25-22.
Still missing national team standouts Buds Buddin and Jade Disquitado, NU leaned on its rookies to halt UST’s unbeaten start.
Freshmen Luke Macatangay and Yuan Mendoza rose to the occasion, combining for 34 points, including crucial kills in the extended decider.
The Bulldogs, who previously stumbled against La Salle and Ateneo, had to claw back from four match points. They finally sealed the win after UST’s Gboy de Vega committed a backrow violation, followed by JJ Macam sending his attack wide.
“‘Yung mga bata, every time na may situation, nagre-respond talaga sila,” said NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin. “Although hindi pa ganoon kalinis yung ginagawa nila, itong panalo makakatulong sa kanila and sana i-continue nila yung mindset na ito every game.”
Mendoza starred with 18 points and 13 digs, while Macatangay chipped in 16 markers. Jan Abanilla and Choi Diao added timely support, helping NU level Ateneo at 2-2 in the standings.
(C) V-League Images
De Vega fired 23 points for UST, which dropped to 3-1, while Al-Bukharie Sali and Trevor Valera added 15 and 12 points, respectively.
(C) V-League Images
Earlier, FEU overcame a second-set hiccup to subdue Ateneo in four sets.
Fresh off a training camp in Japan, the Tamaraws banked on the trio of Amet Bituin, Dryx Saavedra, and Mikko Espartero to keep the Blue Eagles in check. Bituin led the charge with 14 points and four receptions, while Saavedra and Espartero tallied 12 apiece.
The fourth set turned into a seesaw battle, but FEU broke free late behind Espartero’s back-to-back hits and a costly Ateneo net fault. Bituin then delivered the finishing blow with a down-the-line kill.
“Pagod pa kami kasi kakabalik lang namin from Japan, pero maraming learnings at magandang experiences na nakuha doon. Hopefully magamit namin dito sa V-League,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
Team captain Ariel Cacao was steady with 28 excellent sets, while Doula Ndongala and Mendoza combined for 13 points.
(C) V-League Images
Despite the loss, Ateneo’s young core showed fight as Amil Pacinio (17 points, seven digs), Miguel Yu (15 points, 13 receptions), and Jian Salarzon (14 points, 16 receptions) kept the Blue Eagles competitive before they fell to 2-2.
With the results, FEU (1-0) moved into strong contention early, NU (2-2) regained its footing, Ateneo (2-2) slipped back to the middle of the pack, and UST (3-1) absorbed its first defeat.
