Far Eastern University (FEU) clinched its first-ever V-League Men’s Collegiate Challenge championship after a commanding 25-22, 28-26, 25-18 victory over De La Salle University (DLSU) in their do-or-die Game 3 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Friday night.
Following a tough loss in Game 2, the Tamaraws regrouped and dominated, led by Finals MVP Dryx Saavedra, who delivered a stellar 24-point performance to secure the title.
This historic win not only marked FEU’s breakthrough in the league but also ended La Salle’s bid for consecutive championships.
“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 shared.
The turning point of the match came in the second set when FEU, trailing 20-24, staged an incredible comeback to win 28-26, a blow that took the wind out of La Salle’s sails.
With momentum on their side, the Tamaraws quickly raced to a 15-9 lead in the third set, with Saavedra contributing a key spike.
Outside hitter Mikko Espartero also shined, scoring three consecutive points, including a title-clinching ace, to seal the sweep.
FEU head coach Ed Orcullo reflected on their Game 2 loss, saying it was a moment of deep introspection for the team that fueled their drive 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,” Orcullo explained.
FEU’s victory was a team effort, with contributions from Charles Absin and Lirick Mendoza, who scored 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Benny Martinez orchestrated the team’s plays with 19 excellent sets, while captain Jelord Talisayan added eight points, 13 receptions, and six digs.
On the other side, DLSU put up a fight, with Glen Ventura leading the Green Spikers with 16 points.
Chris Hernandez added seven points and 10 receptions, while Noel Kampton contributed six points and 10 receptions, but it wasn’t enough to stop FEU’s determined run.