Far Eastern University is off to a triumphant start in its title defense in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge.
The Tamaraws, fresh off a training camp in Japan, claimed a hard-fought 25-20, 22-25, 25-19, 25-22 win over Ateneo de Manila University on Tuesday afternoon at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.
The veteran trio of Amet Bituin, Dryx Saavedra, and Mikko Espartero led the way as the Tamaraws bounced back after losing the second set.
Bituin spearheaded the charge with 14 points built on 12 attacks, one block, and one ace, while also adding four excellent receptions.
"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.
It was a costly loss for Ateneo, which failed to build on an impressive win over defending UAAP champion National University in their previous match. They dropped to 2-2, failing to solidify their 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.
