Defending champion Far Eastern University edged University of Santo Tomas in a tight straight-sets win, 25-23, 29-27, 25-19, to secure a spot in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge Finals on Saturday, October 4, at the Ynares Center.

The Tamaraws had to dig deep in the first two frames before breaking away in the third to clinch their second consecutive Finals appearance and a ticket to the upcoming Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference.

“Siguro ginusto lang ng players natin and coaches na makuha ‘yung match para makapasok sa finals,” said FEU head coach Ariel Cacao after the one-hour, 29-minute victory.

“Siguro ‘yung momentum talagang pumanig din sa’min. Tapos ‘yung service receive, talagang kahit anong gawin ng kabila medyo naka-counter na natin. Before kasi wala kaming counter attack eh, ngayon okay naman,” he added.

Mendoza leads the charge as FEU turns the tide

After a tight battle with the Golden Spikers in the first two sets, the Tamaraws unleashed a decisive 9-3 rally in the third to break a 10-all deadlock and build a 19-13 cushion. From there, they maintained control to complete the sweep and punch their Finals ticket.

Lirick Mendoza continued his stellar run, delivering 14 points on eight attacks, four kill blocks, and two aces. Mikko Espartero backed him up with 12 points — all from attacks — while also tallying 12 excellent receptions. Setter Ariel Cacao anchored the offense with 21 excellent sets.

Amet Bituin added 10 points and six excellent receptions, while Dryx Saavedra and Doula Ndongala chipped in nine and eight points, respectively, as FEU displayed a balanced attack.

Tamaraws to face La Salle in Finals rematch

With the win, FEU sets up a highly anticipated best-of-three gold medal series against De La Salle University — a rematch of last year’s championship duel. Game 1 is set for Monday at 5 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

For UST, reigning MVP Josh Ybanez paced the Golden Spikers with 11 points, all from attacks, to go with 16 excellent receptions and three digs. Gboy De Vega added 10 points, while Al-Bukharie Sali and John Vryvin Catinsag contributed nine and eight points, respectively.