A well-rested Far Eastern University side came out firing on all cylinders, overpowering La Salle, 25-22, 25-20, 18-25, 25-19, 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, 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.