Far Eastern University launched its title-retention bid in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge with a hard-fought four-set victory over Ateneo de Manila University, 25-20, 22-25, 25-19, 25-22, on Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 19, at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.
Fresh off a training camp in Japan, the Tamaraws showed renewed discipline and composure, bouncing back from a second-set slip behind the trio of Amet Bituin, Dryx Saavedra, and Mikko Espartero to start their title defense on a strong note in the eight-team tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Bituin spearheaded the charge with 14 points built on 12 attacks, one block, and one ace, while also adding four excellent receptions. His efforts helped FEU hand Ateneo a reality check after the Blue Eagles’ impressive back-to-back wins over Letran and defending UAAP champion National University.
“Ang dami pa dapat gawin kasi una, pagod pa kami kasi kakabalik lang namin nung Sunday night galing Japan. Kailangan pa talaga mag-focus sa mga bagay-bagay,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
“Maraming learnings, magandang experiences, at magagandang laban. Hopefully, kung ano yung na-treasure ng bawat isa doon, ay magamit namin dito sa V-League,” he added.
The fourth set turned into a tense seesaw battle, with Amil Pacinio knotting the score at 19-all.
But the Tamaraws regained control through a decisive 4-1 run — highlighted by back-to-back points from Espartero and a net fault by Brian Castro — to grab a 23-20 cushion.
A service error by Ateneo’s Jian Salarzon handed FEU match point before Bituin sealed the deal with a down-the-line kill, wrapping up the one-hour, 49-minute encounter.
Though denied a straight-sets win, FEU dominated the third frame early, racing to a 16-10 advantage. A quick strike by Doula Ndongala, an ace from Bituin, and consecutive attacks by Saavedra widened the gap and gave the Tamaraws a 2-1 set lead.
Saavedra chipped in 12 points, while Espartero delivered an all-around outing with 12 points on 10 attacks and two blocks, plus eight excellent receptions.
Team captain Ariel Cacao orchestrated the offense with 28 excellent sets and added five points, while Mendoza and Ndongala contributed seven and six markers, respectively.
The loss proved costly for Ateneo, which slipped to an even 2-2 record and failed to solidify its hold on third place.
Pacinio paced the Blue Eagles with 17 points and seven excellent digs, while Miguel Yu notched 15 points on 13 attacks along with 13 excellent receptions. Salarzon chipped in 14 points on 13 attacks and 16 excellent receptions, while promising middle blocker Rodge Alejos added eight points in a losing effort.
