Far Eastern University vented its ire on Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 25-23, 25-22, 25-20, to complete an all-UAAP semifinal cast in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge on Wednesday afternoon at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.
Reeling from a surprising three-game skid, the Tamaraws rediscovered their rhythm at the perfect time as interim team captain Dryx Saavedra and sophomore hitter Amet Bituin stepped up to secure the third seed in the eight-team tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Saavedra spearheaded the attack with 17 points built on 16 kills and one block while also tallying four excellent digs. Bituin backed him up with 11 points on nine attacks, one ace, and one block, along with 11 excellent receptions, as FEU closed the eliminations with a 4-3 card on 14 points. They now join unbeaten De La Salle University and University of Santo Tomas in the semifinals.
The Tamaraws’ triumph also sealed Ateneo de Manila University’s place in the Final Four, as the Blue Eagles carried a 4-3 slate with 12 points. Meanwhile, the Knights, along with the Benilde Blazers and NU Bulldogs, bowed out of contention.
“Siguro whatever happens sa game ng Letran, talagang tatanggapin na namin kung ano result ‘eh. Siguro minsan dala rin ng emotions ‘eh tsaka mindset kung paano [bumawi]. Maganda naman pinakita ng mga bata. Heading into the semis, tignan natin ano mangyayari,” FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo said.
The second set proved to be a thriller, with both teams locked at 19-all. But the Tamaraws pulled off a decisive 6-3 finishing kick, highlighted by a Bituin rejection, a Mikko Espartero down-the-line hit, and a Saavedra crosscourt bomb to grab a two-set cushion.
With momentum on their side, FEU took control in the third frame. Behind timely hits from Charles Absin, Bituin, and Saavedra, the Tamaraws turned a slim 9-8 edge into a commanding 17-10 lead.
Letran threatened late, trimming the gap to 23-19, but Saavedra’s crosscourt finish and a CJ Cabatac off-the-block hit sealed FEU’s sweep in just 87 minutes.
Absin chipped in 10 points, while second setter Rhodson Du-ot continued to shine in the absence of Ariel Cacao, dishing out 23 excellent sets on top of two markers. Lirick Mendoza added nine points in the victory.
For the Knights, their redemption bid came to a halt as they slipped to 2-4 ahead of their final elimination game against NU on September 29 at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
Dave Lardizabal paced Letran with 15 points on 13 attacks and two blocks, while Felix Bermido and Bembem Bautista chipped in seven points apiece.
