With key starters sidelined, Far Eastern University-DN Steel turned to its next men to deliver, as Dryx Saavedra and Mikko Espartero powered the Tamaraws past VNS-Laticrete in four sets, 25-23, 25-18, 23-25, 25-22, for a second straight win in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
With Amet Bituin, Rhodson Du-ot, and Kyle Tandoc unavailable due to their respective on-the-job training commitments, Saavedra and Espartero rose to the occasion to steer FEU to a 2-0 start, tying ClearSkiiin atop the standings with identical records.
Saavedra unloaded 25 points on 22 attacks, two blocks, and one ace, while Espartero delivered an all-around performance with 19 points on 16 attacks, two aces, and one block, along with 17 excellent receptions and six excellent digs.
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“Yung bawat isa alam ‘yung kung paano nila gagamitin ‘yung sarili nila eh. Saka ‘yung timing nung kailan sila papasok saka kung kailan sila lalabas, kaya malaking bagay sa’min ‘yung bawat isa,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
“Yung nangyari ngayon na ‘yung mga core players na wala, dapat ma-feel namin na walang magbabago dun sa players na nasa OJT ngayon,” he added.
Backup playmaker Kalel Ronquillo also stepped up, keeping the offense running smoothly with 29 excellent sets and two points in the absence of Du-ot.
Vennie Ceballos likewise made his presence felt on the defensive end, tallying 17 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs in the one-hour-and-50-minute contest.
Although the Tamaraws gave away 34 points on errors, they made up for it with a stronger offensive showing, outscoring the Griffins 59-48 in attacks. FEU also held the advantage in blocks, 7-4, and aces, 7-2, to secure its second straight victory in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
FEU will look to extend its winning streak to three games when it faces V-League tormentor and UAAP rival National University-Archipelago Builders on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the same venue.
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Meanwhile, the Griffins once again found themselves playing catch-up after dropping the first two sets. Despite extending the match to four sets, they failed to complete the comeback and fell to 0-2 in the standings.
Jau Umandal was VNS’ lone double-digit scorer, finishing with 20 points, all from attacks.
Julius Arcillo added eight points, while Jerremy Pedrosa and CJ Segui chipped in seven markers apiece.
Howard Guerra dished out 15 excellent sets and added three points, while Mohammad Patadon recorded 16 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs in the defeat.
The Griffins will look to secure their first win against ClearSkiiin on Saturday at 3:30 p.m., also at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
