By Jean Malanum
MANILA – Far Eastern University (FEU) defeated Colegio de San Juan de Letran, 25-23, 25-22, 25-20, on Wednesday to complete an all-UAAP semifinal cast in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.
The Tamaraws banked on skipper Dryx Saavedra and sophomore hitter Amet Bituin to improve at 4-3 with 14 points and earn the No. 3 spot in the Final Four behind unbeaten De La Salle University and the University of Santo Tomas.
Saavedra scored 17 points off 16 attacks and one block, while Bituin chipped in 11 points on nine attacks, one ace, and one block, along with 11 excellent receptions.
Ateneo de Manila University, sporting a 4-3 slate with 12 points, secured the No. 4 seed.
Letran, College of Saint Benilde, and National University bowed out of contention.
“Siguro whatever happens sa game ng Letran, talagang tatanggapin na namin kung ano result ‘eh. Siguro minsan dala rin ng emotions ‘eh tsaka mindset kung paano (bumawi). Maganda naman pinakita ng mga bata. Heading into the semis, tignan natin ano mangyayari (We were going to accept whatever happens with the game with Letran. Perhaps it takes emotions and mindset [to win]. Our players had a good showing. Heading into the semis, we will see what happens),” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.
With the score tied at 19-all in the second set, the Tamaraws held a 6-3 run behind Mikko Espartero, Bituin, and Saavedra to prevail after 27 minutes.
Charles David Absin, Bituin, and Saavedra took charge in the third set, giving FEU a 17-10 lead en route to the one-hour and 27-minute victory.
Absin contributed 10 points, Lirick Mendoza added nine points, while second setter Rhodson Du-ot made 23 excellent sets in the absence of Ariel Cacao.
Dave Lardizabal paced the Knights with 15 points on 13 attacks and two blocks, while Felix Bermido and Bembem Bautista scored seven points apiece.
Letran, which slid to 2-4, will face NU at the Filoil Center in San Juan on Sept. 29. (PNA)
