Far Eastern University rebounded from a tough Game 2 defeat with a resounding 25-22, 28-26, 25-18 triumph over De La Salle University in their sudden death duel to secure its first-ever V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge championship at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Friday night.
After falling short of a sweep in their previous encounter, the Tamaraws regrouped and leaned heavily on Finals MVP Dryx Saavedra’s stellar 24-point performance to clinch the championship. The win not only marked FEU’s breakthrough in the league but also halted La Salle’s drive for a back-to-back title.
“Nag-umpisa ako dito sa FEU, hindi kami umaabot ng championship ‘eh. Sa akin, personally, pinipilit ko ilabas yung eagerness ko na i-all out yung laro. Yung naiba lang nung Game 2 kasi, siguro dahil nakuha namin yung Game 1, nasobrahan kami sa kakaisip na dapat makuha na namin yung Game 2,” Saavedra reflected.
The Tamaraws capitalized on their momentum from a clutch second-set victory, which turned out to be the pivotal moment of the match. Down 20-24 in the second set, FEU staged a near-impossible comeback, clawing their way to a 28-26 win, which sapped La Salle’s morale.
Riding that wave, FEU stormed to a 15-9 lead in the third set, with Saavedra once again delivering a crucial spike.
Outside hitter Mikko Espartero also played a crucial role in the decisive frame, delivering three consecutive points, including a crosscourt hit, a block, and a title-clinching ace to complete the sweep.
Head coach Ed Orcullo acknowledged that their Game 2 loss sparked a deep reflection among the team, which fueled their determination for Game 3.
“Yung nangyari kasi nung Game 2, parang real talk nangyari doon sa dugout namin. Walang lumabas na nakangiti o nakayuko, pero alam mo yung moment na minsan, masarap din matalo ‘eh,” said FEU head coach Ed Orcullo, whose wards took the series opener in four last Sunday. “Nakikita mo kasi ng masinsinan yung mga tao na kasama mo kasi hindi mo naman nakikita yung talagang tagumpay if palagi kang panalo.”
FEU’s twin towers, Charles Absin and Lirick Mendoza, provided solid contributions with 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Benny Martinez also orchestrated the team’s offense with 19 excellent sets, while captain Jelord Talisayan recorded eight points, 13 receptions, and six digs in a balanced performance.
Despite a valiant effort, DLSU, which won Game 2 in four last Wednesday, struggled to match FEU’s intensity. Glen Ventura led the Green Spikers with 16 points, including 14 attacks and two blocks.
Best Outside Hitter Chris Hernandez added seven points and 10 excellent receptions, while Noel Kampton chipped in with six points and 10 receptions.
With the V-League crown secured, both teams now turn their attention to the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, which kicks off later this month.
