Far Eastern University retained its supremacy on the collegiate volleyball stage after sweeping De La Salle University, 25-15, 25-22, 25-23, in Game 3 to clinch the 2025 V-League Collegiate Challenge men’s title on Friday, October 10, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

The FEU Tamaraws completed a stunning series turnaround, recovering from an opening-game loss to win back-to-back matches and secure their second straight V-League crown.

Tamaraws show composure in Game 3

FEU dominated the first two sets before weathering La Salle’s late rally in the third frame. Trailing 15-18, the Tamaraws regrouped and unleashed a decisive 10-5 closing run behind the leadership of Amet Bituin, with key support from Ariel Cacao, Dryx Saavedra and Mikko Espartero.

“Focus lang ulit, kasi pag sobrang hype, minsan patapos na, hindi mo na nakokontrol yung emotions at enjoyment,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo. “Siguro dapat baba lang ulit namin, tapos focus lang ulit sa nangyayari. Nakarecover naman sa receive at blocking, kaya medyo maganda rin yung outcome.”

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Saavedra led FEU with 14 points on 11 attacks and three aces, earning Finals MVP honors after averaging 13 points per game throughout the best-of-three series. Bituin, who delivered the championship-clinching point, finished with 13 points and seven excellent receptions, while Espartero added 10 markers.

Cacao dished out 24 excellent sets on top of two points to orchestrate the attack. Vennie Ceballos provided floor stability with 10 receptions and seven digs on his birthday.

Title defense complete after rocky start

The Tamaraws had a shaky start to the series, dropping Game 1, 18-25, 22-25, 23-25. They bounced back in Game 2 with a dominant 25-16, 25-17, 25-18 win before completing their emphatic title defense in the tournament organized by Sports Vision.

La Salle, champions in 2023, settled for back-to-back silver medals against the same FEU side. Rui Hernandez top-scored with 13 points, while Issa Ousseini and Chris Hernandez chipped in 11 and nine, respectively.