Far Eastern University-DN Steel shook off a painful V-League Finals loss to National University and opened its Spikers’ Turf campaign with a 25-23, 25-17, 25-17 sweep of AEP-Cabstars on Saturday, Oct. 17. Dryx Saavedra led the way.

The Tamaraws survived a tight first set at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, then pulled away for a 64-minute victory in their 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference opener. The result marked a winning debut for FEU after its V-League setback.

Dryx Saavedra Bounces Back for FEU-DN Steel

Saavedra, whose net touch in Game 3 against the Bulldogs proved costly, led FEU with 14 points on 10 attacks and four kill blocks. Rhodson Du-ot directed the offense with 14 excellent sets.

Charles Absin and Doula Ndongala added eight points each, while Kyle Tandoc scored six. FEU outblocked AEP-Cabstars, 13-4, and committed just 15 errors, compared with 20 for the Cabstars.

FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo said the Tamaraws turned the page quickly. “Pinakamaganda ’yung moment na nanggaling kami sa baba, tapos ngayon, ’yung moment na may panibago ulit na tournament na, may misyon na kailangan naming mag-focus ulit,” he said.

“So, lagi nating sinasabi sa kanila na doon sa moment na ’yon, ’yung damdamin natin, dapat medyo itabi muna natin. Kailangan mag-focus tayo sa kung ano ’yung present na nangyayari sa tournament natin ngayon,” Orcullo added.

AEP-Cabstars Stumble as FEU Eyes Next Test

Leo Aringo, who returned from a stint with Japan’s Saitama Azalea, led AEP-Cabstars with 14 points on 11 attacks, two blocks and an ace. He also recorded eight excellent receptions.

Paul Malaiba, Dave Lardizabal and Lorenz Vicente each scored seven points in the loss. The Cabstars could not match FEU’s blocking and committed more errors.

FEU faces VNS Always Bright Laticrete at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre. The Tamaraws will look to sustain their strong start.