Far Eastern University stayed perfect in the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge, sweeping Arellano University in straight sets, 25-16, 25-14, 25-19, to push its record to 3-0 on Sunday night at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City.

The Tamaraws needed to fend off a late push from the Chiefs in the third set before finally pulling away. The win marked FEU’s third straight victory to open the tournament, keeping its unbeaten campaign intact.

Bituin Leads Balanced FEU Attack

Amet Bituin was the difference-maker down the stretch, breaking an 18-all deadlock in the third set with three points during a decisive 7-1 finishing kick. He finished with a game-high 11 points built on eight attacks and three blocks.

Doula Ndongala provided strong support at the net, contributing 10 points while accounting for eight of the team’s 14 total blocks to go with two attacks. His defensive presence helped keep Arellano’s offense in check throughout the match.

Mikko Espartero and Kyle Tandoc each chipped in six points, while Dryx Saavedra added five markers to round out FEU’s balanced scoring effort. The Tamaraws wrapped up the match in just 74 minutes.

Discipline Fuels FEU’s Unbeaten Run

Head coach Eddieson Orcullo credited his team’s discipline for the quick, clean win, noting that every opponent comes in motivated to upset FEU. He said the Tamaraws can’t afford to take any match lightly given the target on their backs.

“Lahat naman ng team na makakalaro natin, talagang gusto nilang kunin ‘yung game sa’tin. Kaya medyo hindi pwedeng petiks petiks lang,” Orcullo said.

He added that limiting unforced errors while forcing mistakes from the opposition has become the team’s core focus this season. FEU committed just 15 total errors in the win, a number Orcullo pointed to as proof of that approach.

“‘Yun talaga ang target ng team, dapat bumaba ‘yung errors tapos dumami ‘yung magandang ginagawa. Tapos ‘yung factor din na nagbigay din ng opponent errors,” he added.

On the other side, Angelo Fernandez was the lone bright spot for Arellano, finishing with 10 points on seven attacks and three aces. Jake Teves scored five points off the bench, while Daniel Agovida, Arman Guinto, Jake Pangilinan and Jiwen Sinuto each added four points.

The loss dropped Arellano to 2-3, tying the Chiefs with University of Santo Tomas, College of Saint Benilde and De La Salle University in a four-way logjam from fourth to seventh place.

FEU will look to extend its winning streak to four games when it faces UAAP rival National University on September 26. Arellano, meanwhile, will try to bounce back against Mapua on Saturday at 10 a.m.