Far Eastern University launched its title-retention campaign in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge with a gritty four-set triumph over Ateneo de Manila University, 25-20, 22-25, 25-19, 25-22, on Tuesday, August 19, afternoon at the Paco Arena Events and Sports Center in Manila.

Fresh off a training camp in Japan, the Tamaraws displayed renewed discipline and composure. Despite dropping the second set, they bounced back behind the trio of Amet Bituin, Dryx Saavedra, and Mikko Espartero to start strong in the eight-team tournament organized by Sports Vision.

Bituin powered FEU with 14 points on 12 attacks, one block, and one ace, while also contributing four excellent receptions. His all-around effort helped hand Ateneo a reality check after the Blue Eagles’ strong start in the tournament with back-to-back wins over Letran and UAAP champion National University.

FEU coach Eddieson Orcullo acknowledged that the squad is still adjusting after their overseas stint. “Ang dami pa dapat gawin kasi una, pagod pa kami kasi kakabalik lang namin nung Sunday night galing Japan. Kailangan pa talaga mag-focus sa mga bagay-bagay,” he said. Orcullo added that the experiences from their training camp will serve as valuable lessons for their V-League title defense.

Tamaraws hold firm in tense fourth set

The fourth set turned into a back-and-forth battle, with Amil Pacinio tying the score at 19-all. FEU then regained control with a decisive 4-1 run, highlighted by back-to-back points from Espartero and a net fault by Brian Castro, to seize a 23-20 cushion. A service error by Ateneo’s Jian Salarzon handed the Tamaraws match point before Bituin delivered the winning down-the-line kill to wrap up the one-hour, 49-minute match.

Earlier, the Tamaraws asserted dominance in the third frame, jumping to a 16-10 lead. Doula Ndongala struck quickly, Bituin nailed an ace, and Saavedra delivered consecutive attacks to give FEU a comfortable 2-1 set advantage.

Balanced attack fuels FEU

Saavedra finished with 12 points, while Espartero matched him with 12 points on 10 attacks and two blocks, adding eight excellent receptions. Team captain Ariel Cacao ran the offense with 28 excellent sets and contributed five points. Ndongala and Mendoza chipped in six and seven points, respectively.

For Ateneo, Pacinio led with 17 points and seven digs. Miguel Yu added 15 points and 13 receptions, while Salarzon tallied 14 points on 13 attacks with 16 receptions. Rising middle blocker Rodge Alejos contributed eight points in a losing effort.

The loss dropped Ateneo to a 2-2 record, stalling their momentum and costing them a chance to secure solo third place in the standings.