FEU sweeps La Salle to force Game 3 in V-League Collegiate Challenge Finals

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Lirick Mendoza anchors FEU’s net defense in the crucial win. [V-League photo]

Far Eastern University roared back with a statement win, sweeping De La Salle University, 25-16, 25-17, 25-18, to force a do-or-die Game 3 in the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge Finals on Wednesday, October 8, at the City of Dasmariñas Arena.

After dropping Game 1 in straight sets, 18-25, 22-25, 23-25, the Tamaraws responded with a dominant performance to keep their back-to-back championship hopes alive. The deciding match is set for Friday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Cacao leads balanced Tamaraws attack

Playmaker Ariel Cacao orchestrated FEU’s offense with 19 excellent sets on top of three points, keeping their attack fluid and unpredictable in the one-hour, 22-minute encounter.

FEU dominated every scoring department, outgunning La Salle in attacks (35-30), blocks (14-6), and aces (2-0). Its net defense proved the biggest difference in the lopsided victory.

“Super, siguro ano lang talaga — nagkaintindihan lang kami ng boys sa gusto naming mangyari sa game plan,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo. “Yung game ngayon, ang tinignan lang namin nung Game 1 ay service-pass. Kasi kung titignan natin nung Game 1, hindi kami nakapasa. Nakapasa naman sila. Kung sino makakapasa, magre-ready bawat team. It so happened na kami nakapasa, kaya ganito kinalabasan ng match,” he added.

Mendoza powers FEU, La Salle struggles

Lirick Mendoza, named Player of the Game, spearheaded the attack with 11 points built on seven kills and four blocks.

Dryx Saavedra added 10 markers, while Mikko Espartero and Doula Ndongala chipped in nine apiece. Amet Bituin contributed eight points, and Venie Ceballos anchored the floor defense with 11 excellent receptions and three digs.

For the Green Spikers, Issa Ousseini was the lone bright spot with 10 points from seven attacks and three blocks. Newly crowned MVP Chris Hernandez and Eugene Gloria were limited to seven points each as La Salle squandered its first chance to clinch the title.