Far Eastern University reasserted its dominance over a depleted National University squad and came away with a commanding 25-13, 25-20, 25-21 victory, securing a spot in the finals of the 2024 V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge at the Philsports Arena on Sunday night.
The top-seeded Tamaraws, who recently defeated the reigning UAAP champions in four sets (25-23, 25-20, 24-26, 25-16) in the opener of their best-of-three semifinal series last Wednesday, delivered an even more convincing performance, dominating from start to finish to gain the victory and the first slot in the championship, following La Salle's thrilling win over UST, which set up a decider on the other side of the semis faceoff.
The triumph also kept FEU’s push for a clean sweep of the V-League pre-season titles, as its female counterparts, the Lady Tamaraws, had earlier claimed a decisive victory over the UE Lady Warriors in the women's division.
“Talagang nag-prepare kami nang maigi para doon sa laban ngayon kasi sinasabi nga natin na dapat hindi natin makalimutan ‘yung nangyari satin (sa UAAP) na number one ka tapos tinalo tayo ng UST ng dalawang beses,” said FEU head coach Ed Orcullo.
Dryx Saavedra led the charge for FEU with 14 points, including 12 attacks and two aces. Doula Ndongala provided ample support, tallying 10 points from seven attacks and three blocks.
Lirick Mendoza added nine points, while rookie Amet Bituin and team captain Jelord Talisayan chipped in seven and six points, respectively, in a swift one-hour, 10-minute victory.
FEU dominated at the net, converting 40 out of 92 attack attempts while holding their opponents to just 23 successful attacks from 90 tries. The Tamaraws also tallied six aces, four more than the Bulldogs.
Team captain Leo Aringo contributed nine points and Mac Bandola added eight markers for the Bulldogs, who were undermined by the absence of head coach Dante Alinsurin and key players Michaelo Buddin, Leo Ordiales, Rwenzmel Taguibolos, Choi Diao and Jade Disquitado.
The Bulldogs will now face the loser of the Green Spikers-Golden Spikers series in the bronze medal match scheduled for Sunday at 10 a.m.
