A well-rested Far Eastern University side came out firing on all cylinders, overpowering a De La Salle U squad still reeling from a grueling five-setter in the semifinals, to claim a 25-22, 25-20, 18-25, 25-19 victory in Game 1 of the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge Finals on Sunday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The Tamaraws fended off the Green Spikers’ rally attempt, bouncing back in the fourth set behind Arnet Bituin to seal the nearly two-hour victory after a brief stumble in the third frame. Despite La Salle's resurgence, FEU capitalized on DLSU's costly service miscues to take a decisive win.
In the final set, the Tamaraws benefited from 13 points off La Salle's unforced errors while limiting their own mistakes, yielding just five points.
The Tams shoot for the clincher in their best-of-three series at 2 p.m. on Wednesday.
"Yung mga mali lang siguro sa actual match, 'pag dating sa ensayo, pinagfo-focus-an namin 'yung mga bagay na alam namin kung saan kami mahina. At the same time, kung saan kami malakas, 'yun rin 'yung key para kami bumangon," said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo, reflecting on the adjustments that have propelled their successful season.
Orcullo also pointed out that correcting their mistakes and playing to their strengths were pivotal in overcoming La Salle’s resurgence.
After a third-set struggle where the Tamaraws lost momentum, Orcullo acknowledged that the Green Spikers were expected to fight hard to extend the match.
"Given na pipilitin ng La Salle na makuha 'yung third set. Siguro hindi rin nawala sa mentality ng players 'yon, pero hindi dapat gan'on. Sabi nga, finish stronger," he added.
His challenge to finish strong was met with a resounding response, as FEU regrouped and delivered a commanding performance in the fourth set.
Dryx Saavedra powered the Tamaraws with a match-high 19 points, including 16 attacks and three blocks, leading the offensive charge, while Lirick Mendoza dominated the middle with 13 points on 11 kills and two blocks, providing crucial defensive stops at the net.
The contributions from FEU's incoming rookies proved to be a game-changer. Bituin was instrumental in the final set, while Mikko Espartero added 11 markers, providing crucial support during critical moments.
Yong Mendoza, meanwhile, returned to the starting La Salle lineup and delivered a strong 13-point performance, tallying 10 spikes, two blocks, and three aces.
However, the Green Spikers' 31 errors throughout the match proved costly. Chris Hernandez added 10 points, but top scorer Rui Ventura was held to just nine markers, limiting La Salle’s offensive options.
The Tamaraws dominated the first two sets, showcasing their depth and fresh legs while exploiting La Salle’s fatigue. Their solid defense, precise blocking and sharp attacking kept the Green Spikers off balance, preventing DLSU from establishing any early rhythm.
However, the Tamaraws faltered in the third frame, allowing the Green Spikers to mount a spirited comeback. Despite trailing early, La Salle found momentum through aggressive net play and timely kills, fueled by a renewed sense of urgency.
The Green Spikers, who blew a 2-0 set lead but held off the UST Golden Spikers in the fifth to clinch the other finals berth last Wednesday, turned a narrow 8-7 lead into a commanding 12-7 advantage with a four-point surge.
Riding that momentum, La Salle held off multiple FEU comeback attempts, extending its lead to 20-14 after a crucial blocking error on an FEU challenge. With the set slipping away, the Tamaraws couldn't close the gap, allowing DLSU to secure the third frame and stay alive in the match.
But the fourth set was a different story. Led by Saavedra, FEU stormed back with multiple five-point leads as La Salle struggled to capitalize on opportunities, plagued by repeated service faults.
