Two straight losses are now a memory for FEU-DN Steel, and ClearSkiiin’s perfect record is gone. The Tamaraws dropped a 27-29 opening set, then won the next three, 25-19, 25-22, 25-21, on Sunday, Nov. 8, at the Filoil Centre.

The win lifted FEU-DN Steel to 3-2 in the 2026 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference and handed ClearSkiiin its first defeat after four straight wins. It also snapped a skid that began with losses to National University-Archipelago Builders and Savouge.

Charles Absin Leads FEU Comeback

Charles Absin spearheaded the turnaround after averaging only seven points in the losses to the Bulldogs and Spin Doctors. He erupted for 23 points on 17 attacks, five kill blocks and one ace in the two-hour match.

“Siguro ‘yung dalawang magkasunod na talo namin siguro naging isang malaking opportunity din ‘yun para makapaglaro kami ng all out ngayon. Kaya talagang ‘yung seize the moment, nandun lang sa gusto naming mangyari,” said FEU head coach Eddieson Orcullo.

Absin credited the work done in practice. “Siguro po ayun nga, kasi sa training pa lang dun na kami nagumpisa. Sinayahan lang namin ‘yung ensayo para towards the game, ‘yun na ‘yung magiging momentum namin and sana tuluy-tuloy na ‘to hanggang dulo,” he said.

ClearSkiiin threatened to force a fifth set when Angela Gayud beat Dryx Saavedra’s single block with a cross-court kill to pull within 20-21 late in the fourth. Absin answered with a quick attack, and Saavedra turned away Vince Abrot at the net to stretch the lead to 23-20.

JM Ronquillo briefly halted the momentum with an off-the-block hit. Absin converted another quick attack, and Abrot sent his next attempt wide to seal the win.

Spikers’ Turf Standings and Schedule

Amet Bituin backed Absin with 18 points off the bench, while Saavedra added 15. Kyle Tandoc and Lirick Mendoza chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Rhodson Du-ot orchestrated the offense with 32 excellent sets and four points. Vennie Ceballos anchored the defense with 16 excellent receptions.

FEU-DN Steel will chase back-to-back wins against 3B on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 3 p.m. at the Filoil Centre. ClearSkiiin, meanwhile, slipped into a tie with NU for second place at 4-1.

Ronquillo was the lone double-digit scorer for the UV Smashers with 19 points, all from attacks. Renzel Antonio posted nine points, 13 excellent receptions and five excellent digs.

Loisa Gamban and Jester Bornel added eight points apiece. ClearSkiiin played without starting playmaker Klint Mateo, who rolled his left ankle against the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Nov. 3.

The UV Smashers will try to bounce back against defending champion Criss Cross on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 5 p.m. at the Filoil Centre. Criss Cross is unbeaten at 5-0.