Tamaraws Complete Sweep, Coach Orcullo Warns Against Complacency

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Far Eastern University completed an unbeaten run through the 2026 V-League Collegiate Challenge preliminary round. The Tamaraws downed fellow leader Colegio de San Juan de Letran in three sets, 25-20, 25-22, 25-23, on Sunday, September 27.

The defending champions trailed early in every set but found ways to claw back each time. Head coach Eddieson Orcullo was quick to temper any celebration after the win.

The FEU Tamaraws secured the top seed heading into the V-League Collegiate Challenge Final Four. [PVL Images]

Orcullo Cautions Against Complacency Ahead of Semis

“We can’t afford to relax over the next two days, because Wednesday is our semifinal,” Orcullo said. He stressed that the team cannot get comfortable with any part of its game.

FEU, as the top seed, will face reigning NCAA champions De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in the Final Four. The semifinal round begins Wednesday at the Playtime FilOil Center.

Orcullo’s message reflected the tightness of Sunday’s win. FEU needed a decisive stretch in the third set to pull away from Letran.

A Kyle Tandoc kill and an unforced error from Luis Vicente gave the Tamaraws a 22-20 edge. The two sides had traded points for much of the frame before that break.

Tandoc, Saavedra Lead FEU’s Balanced Attack

Back-to-back kills from Mikko Espartero, who entered the match for Luis Miguel, closed out the sweep. The finish capped a match in which FEU leaned heavily on its bench.

Tandoc earned Player of the Game honors, finishing with 13 points and 11 excellent receptions. He led the Tamaraws on both ends of the court throughout the match.

Captain Dryx Saavedra and Miguel also factored heavily into the win. The pair combined for 24 points, contributing 14 and 10, respectively, before the late substitution.

FEU’s net defense proved just as important as its offense. The Tamaraws finished the match with 13 kill blocks.

Letran finished the preliminary round third with a 5-2 record. The Knights will face six-time defending UAAP champions National University in the other semifinal.

Jessel Nimo led Letran with a match-high 16 points, while Dave Lardizabal added 14. Still, 21 total errors, several at crucial moments, ultimately proved too costly for the Knights.